Do your hens sleep in the nesting boxes?

[PippinTheChicken]

When I first got my 2 hens, they slept on the roosts. But ever since their first time being broody (soon after we got them), they have decided to sleep in the nesting boxes EVEN WHEN THEY AREN'T BROODY.

This IS NOT my coop but the inside is very similar. I have a small flock so only have a small coop.
https://www.vidaxl.co.uk/e/vidaxl-c...MIquWridni8AIViwLmCh1tQw3oEAQYCCABEgIklPD_BwE

My chicks have been roosting since they have shared the coop with the hens and had had access to the roosts (which was on the 21st of May)

Why are my hens doing this? Is it more comfy for them? I am fine with them doing it but I am just confused.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

They could be doing this for a variety of reasons, and not necessarily for any worrisome reason. I’d say they just need a little judge in the right direction. You can try blocking the nest boxes at night (like stick a milk jug in there) and then if they try to sleep on the floor, wait til it is pitch black and gently lift them and put them on the roost bar. I’d say they will figure things out with a little retraining.

 

[chickentrains]

My Faverolles really likes the nest box. I've done everything to stop her.. Blocking it, putting her on the roost etc. She just doesn't like it. I'll usually find her in a next box under straw. I leave her be. She doesn't sleep in one of the favorite laying boxes, she doesn't bother anybody

 

[PippinTheChicken]

They could be doing this for a variety of reasons, and not necessarily for any worrisome reason. I’d say they just need a little judge in the right direction. You can try blocking the nest boxes at night (like stick a milk jug in there) and then if they try to sleep on the floor, wait til it is pitch black and gently lift them and put them on the roost bar. I’d say they will figure things out with a little retraining.

I don't mind where they sleep. they look cute in the boxes! I was just wondering

 

[chickentrains]

I don't mind where they sleep. they look cute in the boxes! I was just wondering

they might not have enough space to roost, because your coop is small.

 

[Mvan42]

How big is your coop. How many birds do you have. If they are over crowded they will roost anywhere, the prefer higher places.

 

[Mutchi]

mine sleep in both!

 

[PippinTheChicken]

How big is your coop. How many birds do you have. If they are over crowded they will roost anywhere, the prefer higher places.

the coop is around the same size as the one in the link.
They are definitely not overcrowded

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Mine sleep allover.

 

[PippinTheChicken]

they might not have enough space to roost, because your coop is small.

they used to roost though and they haven't gotten much bigger than how they used to be