Hens sleeping (and pooping) in the nest boxes

[aart]

Probably the older birds are not allowing them to roost.

Add an extra roost at just a slightly lower level for the pullets.

I also added hinges to the angled board on top of the nests(to keep them from roosting there) that I put down over the openings near dusk,
had to add a piece of angled cardboard to top of nests,
then flip back after dark when I lock the pop doors.
That works great!

 

[BierHuhn]

I have the sleeping/bathroom issue as well (I've got 2 ladies)
I've got a small coop from cconly.com. It's basically a 9-10 sq foot coop.
I bought it used (and cleaned it thoroughly).
The nest boxes and roost bars are pretty much the same height. so I made a higher roost bar in the coop so it is higher than the nest box entrance. It didn't help. Now I block off the nest boxes, but as winter approaches, I am loathe to have to do that extra outdoor duty every morning. I am hoping that this method will eventually train them, but I'm not sure if this is really possible with chickens? Any other thoughts on this scenario? I can't make the roosts an higher. should i basically modify my coop so it's just a roost area and make a separate nest box?

Thanks a bunch folks!

 

[aart]

I have the sleeping/bathroom issue as well (I've got 2 ladies)
I've got a small coop from cconly.com. It's basically a 9-10 sq foot coop.
I bought it used (and cleaned it thoroughly).
The nest boxes and roost bars are pretty much the same height. so I made a higher roost bar in the coop so it is higher than the nest box entrance. It didn't help. Now I block off the nest boxes, but as winter approaches, I am loathe to have to do that extra outdoor duty every morning. I am hoping that this method will eventually train them, but I'm not sure if this is really possible with chickens? Any other thoughts on this scenario? I can't make the roosts an higher. should i basically modify my coop so it's just a roost area and make a separate nest box?

Thanks a bunch folks!

Answered here... https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1017851/hens-keep-pooping-in-nest-boxes/20#post_15989384

 

[Adorkable]

I let my really old hens sleep in there sometimes cause I feel bad for them or if they are molting (and not laying eggs) I will let them sleep in there. Other than that I keep them out. Here's a video I just made showing how I fixed my nest boxes if anyone is interested. Hope this may be helpful to someone.