Hens usually have no issue figuring out how to use the nest box. These 4 temporary tricks usually do the trick!
1. Lower the nest box to a couple inches off the ground.
2. Put a little bit of straw and/or wood shavings on top of the nest pad.
3. Tape open/up the red curtains.
4. Place a fake egg inside the nest box.
Combining all 4 of these tips for 2 weeks will usually resolve the issue. Take an additional week to slowly remove the straw, remove the tape and raise the nest box off the ground.
Yes, you absolutely can double stack your nesting boxes. Many of our customers do this. However, for larger operation (1,000 hens or more) we’ve heard of flocks choosing to lay in either the top or lower nest box (which can create over-crowding issues either of the nest boxes). But for smaller flocks you shouldn’t have any issues.
Ever wondered how we fit 45 Hens in a 48" box? Well here's how!
Since HenGear nest boxes prevent overcrowding with the “Community Design” we are able to figure far more nesting space vs traditional divided nest boxes.
All HenGear nest boxes are considered a “Community Style”. Which means there are no dividers walls that you would typically see in traditional nests boxes (such as 2 hole, 4 hole, and 8 hole nest). Traditional divider walls are sadly outdated, because hens love to occupy nest holes that are already occupied with other hens. This can lead to hens overcrowding each other out of their individual nest holes. Overcrowding causes unnecessary stress and can even lead to injury to your chickens.
Thankfully a community style nest box, by simply eliminating the traditional divider walls, drastically reduces the chances of overcrowding occurring.
Making sure the hens are not sleeping in the nest box overnight by raising the red roost bar after collecting is a good way to make the nest pad cleaner. By doing this, you should only need to clean the nest pad about every 2 months.
Our HenGear nest pads if properly cleaned and taken care of should last several years and even come with a 42 month limited warranty. If your pad is starting to spilt please contact the manufacture to make a warranty claim.
You can keep your eggs from freezing with one of our electric Heat Mats! They can raise the temperature inside the collection tray up to 20 degrees F. Click here to order!
Unfortunately, we do not make custom Nest Boxes. However, we would love to hear about how we could help improve the Nest Boxes! Email us at support@hengear.com.
Returns Our policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.Buyer pays for return shipping.