help with hen boxes

[chickyduck]

I bought 2 one year old chickens 2 weeks ago. They keep using the hen boxes as a bathroom. I have 4 boxes and they pooh in them all. I have put balls in them to try and stop it. Nothing seems to work. And no eggs yet

 

[chickyduck]

Help please!

 

[RhodeIslandGuy]

Just responding for an answeR

 

[cstronks]

Ok, most likely the birds are sleeping in the boxes. Is there a roost available for them to sleep on? Are they given enough room in the hen house to sleep elsewhere? Are the nest boxes on the ground or elevated in the coop? Also, regarding transitions, chickens will not lay eggs until they feel comfortable in their new home. Stress can temporarily halt egg production. Once they are used to the new home they will begin to lay.

 

[chickyduck]

Yes there is a roost. The boxes are up above floor. The coop is 6x8 ft and boxes are an additional 12 inches wide and 18 inches deep.coop is 6ft tall. This Friday it will be 3 weeks!