sleeping in the nesting box

[mommarx]

why is it important the chickens don't sleep in the nesting box. mine have been sleeping in there since i put them out in their enclosure. they have 3 different perches they use during the day but as soon as it gets dark they head for the box. there are four go them, should i close it off at night?

 

[Fancypants1]

You want them to learn that the boxes are for laying eggs, not sleeping. I would cover them with an old sheet or towel until they start laying. Then you can add a plastic egg to the nesting boxes so they know that is where they should go. I would also take any bedding out of the boxes until they are laying. They will figure out the perches are for roosting at night. They a very smart birds. Good luck!