Hens messing boxes

[Yigolette]

Hi,

In the coop, there are perches that the hens sleep on when night falls. They perch on them every night. This past week, the hens have not got on the perch and seem to be trying to perch suddenly on the corners of their nesting boxes. I would not care otherwise but this is creating a TON of crap inside their nest boxes that I have to clean each day. Its normal to have a dirty box here and there, but their sudden desire to do this at night is leaving an unusual amount of poop right in them. I’ve had my hens for a year, they’ve never done this before. I’m confused. What could account for this sudden change in nighttime behavior? They are healthy, happy, and otherwise playful. They lay eggs as usual. Why did their nighttime habit change out of nowhere like this?

 

[Yigolette]

And just to clarify: my perches are much higher than the nesting boxes. They are low and opposite of them. They have truly never ever done this in the whole time I’ve had them and I don’t get it.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Remove the perches from above the nest boxes and place a piece of plywood above the nest boxes at a 45 degree angle. Provide perches else where in your coop.

 

[Yigolette]

Remove the perches from above the nest boxes and place a piece of plywood above the nest boxes at a 45 degree angle. Provide perches else where in your coop.

Thank you for the response! The perches are not above the nesting boxes. They are across them and quite far, but I can definitely try putting the plywood over them. Any ideas why they’ve suddenly started doing this though?

 

[CluckerFamily]

Great recommendation about adding the plywood so the flock can perch on top of the nesting boxes, I would do the same thing.
As for why are they changing their perching pattern:
Has the weather changed lately?
Are all drafts blocked?
Any signs of mites or lice?
Has anything in the coop changed lately?

 

[Ursuline Chick]

The 45 degree angle is so the chickens cannot perch above the nesting boxes

 

[aart]

Pics of your nests would help here.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I agree with CluckerFamily on mites. Specifically Red roost mites.
They hide in cracks and crevices and feast on chickens after dark.
I suspect it's warm where you are.
The best way to treat the coop is with a liquid that can be sprayed. Around here this is what I would use. Keep cats away when using and treated areas.

To treat the coop.

If it's lice or mites on chickens.

I would use this powder to treat chickens in cold weather.

Check to see what's available and approved to use with chickens if you're not in the U.S.A.
GC

 

[MissE]

Are you going through a cold spell? Maybe there is a draft near their perch that they are trying to avoid.

Mine have been camping out in the boxes during the day. I assume it's because its warmer than the frozen solid floor. I don't mind too much because it helps prevent frozen eggs, but sometimes 2 or 3 will try to cram into one box, which can lead to fights or broken eggs. A milk crate isn't big enough for 3 hens.