Chicken smothered

[Candyland430]

I lost a hen today. Found her in the nest box and she appeared to have been smothered. She was actually squished flat. Poor thing. I’ve had problems with my hens fighting over the same nest box even though there are several available. I’ve seen them 3 deep in one box. Has anyone else had a similar experience? How would I stop this from happening again?

 

[AltonaAcres]

Block the favorite box and they'll have to go to the less favorable ones for a while. Put golf balls in so they lay there.

 

[Candyland430]

Block the favorite box and they'll have to go to the less favorable ones for a while. Put golf balls in so they lay there.

Thank you for the advice!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I lost a hen today. Found her in the nest box and she appeared to have been smothered. She was actually squished flat. Poor thing. I’ve had problems with my hens fighting over the same nest box even though there are several available. I’ve seen them 3 deep in one box. Has anyone else had a similar experience? How would I stop this from happening again?

Oh my, that is so traumatic and sad. I'm sorry this happened to you. I agree with what @Candyland430 suggested. You can also try nest box curtains. This actually helped me for the longest time, but I know people use them with varying success. I made mine just by cutting squares of fabric and stapling them over the nest box.

 

[Candyland430]

Oh my, that is so traumatic and sad. I'm sorry this happened to you. I agree with what @Candyland430 suggested. You can also try nest box curtains. This actually helped me for the longest time, but I know people use them with varying success. I made mine just by cutting squares of fabric and stapling them over the nest box.

Thank you! Worth a try!