My pullets are sleeping/pooping in there nesting boxes!

[mfjohnson]

Our 5 pullets (age 10-18 weeks) sleep every night in their nesting boxes and not on their roost. I'm a little worried that this might cause problems when they start laying eggs. Is this OK or do I need to somehow "train" them to stay on the roost? Maybe put netting over their boxes? Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

 

[Mrs. K]

Just at dark, when I locked them up for the night, I would just place large coffee cans or buckets in the nesting box.Anything to block off access. But it takes chicks longer to roost that don't have a broody hen. Also is your roost round or flat boards? I have the round ones in mine, and have never had any trouble, but I think with the flat boards they will roost sooner.

Might put a large box filled with hay on the bottom, and they can set their till they are ready to roost.

MrsK

 

[triplepurpose]

Also, they like to roost as high as they can get--which is one reason I'm not a big fan of elevated nest boxes (that, and because chickens are ground-nesting birds). Make sure the roosts are more appealing by making sure they're higher than the boxes. But of course make sure there's a way for them to get up there too.

But blocking off the boxes until they break the habit is good in addition to that. I used a piece of wood propped across the openings--whatever works.

You definitely don't want them continuing to roost in the boxes--the longer they do the more entrenched the habit will become and of course you will have poop all over your eggs when they start laying.

 

[mfjohnson]

Thanks for the replies! After church, I went out there and tried to incorporate all the advice into the coop. I think that will do!

Thanks again!

 

[PoultryGirly]

It is okay that they don't sleep on their roost yet. They eventually will. My chickens didn't start until they were at leat 6 months old. Don't worry.

 

[karlamaria]

Block off those. Nest boxes, they will then roost. I use flat 2x4s and use the large flat side. They roost well and mine roosted as soon as I blocked off the nest boxes. there old enough, just love the nest boxes lol

 

[mrsc1951]

The round ones are supposed to be better for their feet - or so I've heard all my life - more like a natural roost (tree branch).

 

[triplepurpose]

The round ones are supposed to be better for their feet - or so I've heard all my life - more like a natural roost (tree branch).

That makes perfect sense, right?