Chickens crapping in nesting boxes

[jmclellan]

Hi,

I have 15 ISA Browns and 3 Rode Island Reds.

Over the last two weeks they have started crapping in their nesting boxes. Previously the eggs have been very clean, almost like store brought eggs. However their crap is now making their eggs dirty and hard to clean.

The feed of chaff and wheat grains has stayed the same as has the nesting material and water. I have changed from clean straw to shredded paper to try to stop them crapping in the boxes. It was effective for about a day before they started again. Their crap has also become more watery than previously.

Please see the attached photos.

Thanks for any help,



Jason.

 

[N F C]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

I wonder if some of them aren't sleeping in the nesting boxes? They do poo a lot during the night.

 

[jmclellan]

Not sure, they usually roost on top of the boxes that's why I have newspaper on top. They also have some wooden planks to roost on. If they are sleeping in the boxes they are only doing so in the last two weeks. It may be cold as it is winter in Western Australia. However them crapping in the boxes is new and they didn't do it last winter.

Thanks for your reply,

Jason.

 

[aart]

Go in at night after dark and see where they are roosting/sleeping.
If they are sleeping in the nests take them out and put them on the roost.

Do you have enough roost space for all your birds?
Do you have younger birds that may not be 'allowed' to roost with the older birds?

I have an extra roost for the younger girls....and I have to block off the nests just before dusk to force them to use the roost.
I just check on them after dark once they're settled and unblock the nests.

 

[jmclellan]

Thanks for your help!