How to stop hens sleeping in nest box

[Redchickencoop]

Having the same problem, I have blocked off the nesting boxes the last few nights, we'll see if they eventually learn where to sleep.. I found 8 younger girls in one box!

 

[21hens-incharge]

They look so cozy!

Maybe block the nests, give them a cardboard box as a huddle spot. Then start raising the box with bricks until it is higher.

I will caution that anyone trying it should also cut the top off. Getting in and out they can tip it and die inside being trapped.

It happens with folks using cat boxes as nest boxes too.

 

[jeria]

So laughing at these posts. I don't my chicks yet, next week. Your stories remind me of my 2 dogs (one 62 pounds) both deciding they are sleeping in the smaller one's medium crate. They have their own: big dog has her very large one.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

So laughing at these posts. I don't my chicks yet, next week. Your stories remind me of my 2 dogs (one 62 pounds) both deciding they are sleeping in the smaller one's medium crate. They have their own: big dog has her very large one.

 

[jeria]

Our furry and feathery families are so funny. No chicks yet but have a teeny Quaker Parrot who rules the world, 2 dogs and a cat.

 

[sdaikus]

My two silkies used to roost but now they sleep in the neating box together. I don't mind it, but is there any reason I should take them out or block the box?

 

[texsuze]

Replying to this older post; personally, I let my girls decide where they are most comfortable sleeping. I'd rather they be happy and rested and if that means sleeping in a pile or in a nest box, so be it. Since I clean coops (including nest boxes) and runs each morning, it's no big deal if I find a poopy in a nest box--the eggs get washed before being eaten anyway. I don't see the point in stressing them by attempting to block access to the nest box at night, but again, just my personal opinion.

 

[sdaikus]

Replying to this older post; personally, I let my girls decide where they are most comfortable sleeping. I'd rather they be happy and rested and if that means sleeping in a pile or in a nest box, so be it. Since I clean coops (including nest boxes) and runs each morning, it's no big deal if I find a poopy in a nest box--the eggs get washed before being eaten anyway. I don't see the point in stressing them by attempting to block access to the nest box at night, but again, just my personal opinion.

Perfect! This is exactly my opinion. Thanks for the response!

 

[Amz87]

I know this is an old post but thought I’d comment seems I’m having the same problem with my new girls. I’m new to chooks and didn’t know they shouldn’t be sleeping in the nesting boxes, they won’t be laying for a few months yet so I’m wondering if I should block nest boxes off at night. Two chooks share each box and I’m having to change to straw each day because they poop so much.

 

[aart]

I know this is an old post but thought I’d comment seems I’m having the same problem with my new girls. I’m new to chooks and didn’t know they shouldn’t be sleeping in the nesting boxes, they won’t be laying for a few months yet so I’m wondering if I should block nest boxes off at night. Two chooks share each box and I’m having to change to straw each day because they poop so much.

Welcome to BYC!
Answer is in post #3 of this thread....but I'll repeat.
Block the nests, have roosts 12" higher than nests.

That should get them in the habit of using roosts to sleep.
If it doesn't, start a new thread
with pics of your coop inside showing nests and roosts.