4 Tips to Train Your Hens

Chickens are intelligent and about 90% of hens will adapt quickly to a new nest box. If your hens are young or attached to a previous nesting spot, they may need a short transition period. Use these temporary steps to guide them:

If Your Hens Haven’t Started Laying Yet:

• Install the nest box ~1 month before first lay
• Mount 18”–30” off the ground (floor to bottom of nest)
• Secure the included fake egg to the nest pad

During the first couple weeks of laying:

• Keep hens inside the coop during morning hours
• Add light to the coop so the nest remains the darkest area (string lights work well)
• Keep one side of the red curtains open to make entry easier

Once hens are consistently laying in the nest box, remove these temporary adjustments and set up the coop as you prefer.

If Your Laying Hens Aren’t Using the Nest Box:

1. Remove competing options

• Remove the old nest box completely
• Place the new nest box in the same location (start on coop floor if needed)
• Block off any areas where hens have been laying
• Add coop lighting so the nest is the darkest area

2. Make the new nest feel familiar

• Use the same bedding temporarily
• Close the egg collection tray so eggs remain visible
• Add fake or real eggs to the nest
• Keep one side of the curtains open
• Add temporary dividers if your old box had them (cardboard works well)

3. Use the morning laying window

• Keep hens inside the coop during morning hours

4. Correct behavior immediately

• Move hens into the nest box if they try to lay elsewhere
• Move any misplaced eggs into the nest box right away

Once hens are consistently using the HenGear Nest Box, remove these training aids (extra bedding, open curtains, closed tray) and adjust the setup to your preference.

If you’re not fully happy after 120 days, we’ll give you a full refund. We’re here to make sure you and your flock are happy!