Hens sleeping in nesting boxes

[leslielbk]

I'll join the "me too" hens sleeping in the nesting box group.
It started with one, then two, then three, until last night there were 5 or 6 in and around the boxes. What gives??!?
I'm constructing a curtain of sorts to drop down in front of the boxes late afternoon to see if I can break the habit. They're molting and I don't know if some of them are getting picked on at bedtime or what. Cleaning out poopy boxes is getting old. Once they start to lay again after the "Great Molt" I don't want poopy eggs.

 

[aart]

I'll join the "me too" hens sleeping in the nesting box group.
It started with one, then two, then three, until last night there were 5 or 6 in and around the boxes. What gives??!?
I'm constructing a curtain of sorts to drop down in front of the boxes late afternoon to see if I can break the habit. They're molting and I don't know if some of them are getting picked on at bedtime or what. Cleaning out poopy boxes is getting old. Once they start to lay again after the "Great Molt" I don't want poopy eggs.

Roost should be higher than nests.

I block the nests an hour before roost time, then uncover after dark when I lock up.
Good to figure why they are not roosting.
They are "fairly young"(how old in weeks?), is there a separate roost for them away from the main flock?
Knowing more about your flock(numbers, ages, genders) and seeing pics of your coop(with dimensions) might help us help you.

 

[leslielbk]

This is what I put together. I used black window screen cloth that I had and wrapped it around a piece of PVC pipe at the bottom so they can't move it. my theory is that I will roll it up in the morning so they can lay in the nesting boxes. I expect there to be a lot of fussing tonight

 

[aart]

I expect there to be a lot of fussing tonight

I'll bet!....will you be able to watch?

Where are the roosts in relation to the nests?

 

[leslielbk]

On the opposite side. I have a camera but I felt like the click disturbed them when they moved and triggered it. I checked them a bit ago when I locked them in for the night and they were all on the roosting poles!

 

[leslielbk]

I like your idea of unblocking the nesting boxes later in the evening. that would be great, in case it get up before I do - not that that ever happens...
I'm doing away with the PVC bar at the bottom and will just fasten the bottom corners in some way to the wall.
All my hens are the same age, 1 1/2 years. I have five different breeds and so far the Delaware are my least favorite. They're very bossy, push the other girls around and keep them away from any goodies I may give them. I had to come up with a system for tossing things around so that the other birds get their fair share.

 

[PlatinumEggs]

I am SO SORRY for delay in reply. Life takes over.
Hens were 20 wks old when I got them, which means when I finally used your trick they were already 28 wks.
I'm afraid they're a bit old for retraining cuz when I don't block, couple of times in last 10 days, one of them continues to come sleep (and pooping) in the laying spot. Otherwise she still doesn't roost, she sits smack in middle of tray that holds poop.
Just for sake of convenience, I'm keeping alarm on for late afternoon to block, and them 11pm to unblock. Pain in the neck but only way to keep eggs clean. I am SO APPRECIATIVE of your suggestion. Next generation I will immediately begin with this blocking/unblocking.
I've takes some photos of layout.
thank you SO SO MUCH....shoulda reached out ages ago. Hats off to backyward chickens site owner!!!!
PS tried uploading photo of roost area but running into error

 

[PlatinumEggs]

here are photos

 

[leslielbk]

Too much naughtiness! Last night I forgot to drop the screen and 5 little buggers were roosting in various spots on the boxes
It works, I just have to remember!
I need to replace the little curtains over the boxes since they pooped all over them...sigh.
Thank you for the photos!