My solution to chickens sleeping in nesting boxes

[HenHangout]

Raspberry Pi Pico W running MicroPython. Each nesting box is controlled by a separate servo so I can disable one (remotely) if a hen is brooding. They are set to open 4 hours before sunrise and close 2 hours before sunset. Sunrise/sunset calculated daily based off of time and math using latitude and longitude.

Cost: less than the effort it takes to walk outside every night and dealing with poop

 

[nuthatched]

Are your roosts higher than the boxes?

 

[Ecarroll]

Are your roosts higher than the boxes?

That’s what I was gonna ask. Also if you only have three boxes it’s not that hard to lift the occasional hen out. Just a thought, if it works for you it works for you.

 

[HenHangout]

Are your roosts higher than the boxes?

One is. In the video you see a 'lower' roost which is level with the nesting box roost, but there is another roost about a foot higher out of sight in the video. I have some older hens that bully the smaller silkies so some of the silkies will go to the nesting box side

 

[Ecarroll]

One is. In the video you see a 'lower' roost which is level with the nesting box roost, but there is another roost about a foot higher out of sight in the video. I have some older hens that bully the smaller silkies so some of the silkies will go to the nesting box side

Chickens naturally roost in the highest area, so if there is not enough space/ bullies on the high roost, then they will roost in the next highest are, the nest boxes. Having more high roosts would probably solve the majority of your problem.

 

[WingItRanch]

Lol awesome. I remember your intro post where you were looking at doing some automation.

The chickens seemed spooked by the noise but they'll get used to it.

 

[HenHangout]

Chickens naturally roost in the highest area, so if there is not enough space/ bullies on the high roost, then they will roost in the next highest are, the nest boxes. Having more high roosts would probably solve the majority of your problem.

Yeah, I didnt build the coop but I looked at the existing roost and think it could be easily raised.

The chickens seemed spooked by the noise but they'll get used to it.

I use the same servos to drive dispensers that release treats. The silkies get spooked but my speckled hen must be the Einstein of the flock. She not only runs to it the second she hears the auger turning, but she'll peck at the feed hopper forcing some loose goodies to fall out. I think it only took her a day or two to figure it out.

 

[HenHangout]

That’s what I was gonna ask. Also if you only have three boxes it’s not that hard to lift the occasional hen out. Just a thought, if it works for you it works for you.

The idea was to have a fully autonomous system that can do everything for me except supply their primary feed source. My setup also handles opening and closing the gate of the run, allowing them to leave the run and free range.

 

[Ecarroll]

The idea was to have a fully autonomous system that can do everything for me except supply their primary feed source. My setup also handles opening and closing the gate of the run, allowing them to leave the run and free range.

Cool! I only have an automatic pop door, but still have to go out there usually to get eggs and make sure there all in there, so it’s mostly for the morning, but I have to get up and away early most mornings so I go out to break the ice on the water and bring food scraps.

 

[rosemarythyme]

That's kind of amazing.

My deterrent is a sheet of cardboard stored behind the nests, and a couple bricks. I haven't needed it in years, but I see no reason to remove it either.