Chicks roosting in nesting boxes

[SouthShoreCoop]

I just brought home 5 new chicks to a brand new coop and they're roosting in/on the nesting boxes. Should I be worried about this being a problem in the future? Will they move to the roosting area that I have built in time?

 

[Leigti]

Block off the boxes till they lay eggs.

 

[Pork Pie]

Chickens are creatures of habit, and poo and nests are not a desirable combo. I'd suggest blocking off the nests until they are ready to begin laying. If the roost is higher than the nest boxes, then they should get the idea.

CT

 

[Hokum Coco]

Poop happens in nest boxes no matter what a chicken rancher does.

Nest boxes
In my nest boxes I fold a feed bag to fit (nest boxes are 1 ft³). When a bag gets soiled; fold a new one; pop out the soiled; pop in the new. Feed bags are a nylon mesh bag.
Frozen poop just peels off in below freezing temperatures and just flakes off in summer when left out in the sun to bake and dry.

If your feed comes in in this type of bag give it a try.

I have 66 trips around the sun it is the best method I have stumbled upon.

Make sure the twine is removed from the open end of the bag it can get tangled around your birds.