Hen sleeping in lay box?!

[alfiethetortoise]

I seem to have one hen who prefers to sleep in the lay box! How do i make her stop?!

 

[strutz3921]

Mine do it all the time too!!

 

[alfiethetortoise]

Sorry, i'll just add that there was no poo in the next box this morning as i checked, but the very same hen just took herself to the same next box now that it's completely dark - i guess it it possible she moves to roost later on when temperature dips - they are going in between 3:30 and 4pm at the moment as it's winter and dark early (i assume!)

 

[boogiedog]

Some of my little ladies have slumber parties in the nest boxes every night. Sometimes there are 3-4 banties all snuggled in together. Been doing that for almost 2 years at this point! I just check regularly to make sure there isn't too much poop - and there never seems to be.

 

[alfiethetortoise]

I've moved her on twice now, and twice she has just gone back in when i'm not looking I think the chicken wins!

 

[hispoptart]

Mine sleep in the nest boxes also, I have given up trying to stop them. My main reason is because I think the coop area is a bit over crowded for the 4 of them and by letting them have access to the nest boxes it allows them more room. I have blocked them out for a week straight and they layed their eggs on the floor where they sleep, gave them access back and they sleep in it again. I just clean them out every couple of days. It only takes a few secs. to do it.

 

[kittycooks]

One of my silkies sleeps in a nest box. I guess she feels safe in there. I have a flock of eight hens, they have divided themselves into three groups and sleep in three different areas. I'm happy as long as they are!

 

[F106A]

Do they use the same nesting boxes to lay in, just sleep in, or both?

I figure if the boxes are clean, why worry, but I haven't had this issue - yet.