16 week old chicks wont sleep with the rest of the flock

[LaurasNew]

Hi all,
I have 3 16 week old orpington pullets who are still sleeping with their Brahma Mother in a nesting box. She made one attempt to roost with the flock but the 3 babies wouldn't join her, so she brought them back to the box! They follow her around all day and she still gives them food she finds etc. I closed the nesting box one night to try force them to roost but I couldn't watch the distress! They have mixed with the other chickens no problem and do so all day but at night they all cuddle up in the box. It's a bit annoying having to clean it out every single day! Is there anything I can do to gently encourage roosting? They won't let me lift them AT ALL so placing them on the bars is not an option unfortunately!
Thanks in advance

 

[sourland]

Close or remove the nesting box and DO NOT watch the distress. They will get over it.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Close or remove the nesting box and DO NOT watch the distress. They will get over it.

Agreed. In fact, as they are so determined about this, I’d probably remove it, or you’ll just find them nesting on top.

Don’t let them make you feel bad about this! They’ll be fine, and it’s past time for them to grow up. And it sounds like Brahma Mama* wants to get back with her buds, so you’ll be doing her a favor.

*I have always wanted to write “Brahma Mama,” so thank you for giving me the opportunity!

 

[LaurasNew]

Close or remove the nesting box and DO NOT watch the distress. They will get over it.

I just love your replies, they are so blunt, they always make me smile! Thank you and as usual, you are most likely correct!