Need some help

[Burleigh78]

I have a question. Since hens roost in nesting boxes where would a rooster sleep?

 

[Pyxis]

Hens don't sleep in the nesting boxes, or at least they shouldn't unless they're broody. They, and the rooster, will sleep on a roost.

 

[Pyxis]

Weird double post, sorry.

 

[Burleigh78]

Can you explain some more?

 

[WoodlandWoman]

The place chickens normally sleep or roost as adults is something like a 2x4 with the flat side up. This is similar to the way wild birds roost in trees to sleep at night.

Nest boxes are where older pullets or hens lay eggs during the day. Sometimes the hens will go broody. This is when they decide to sit on a pile of eggs 24 hours a day for several weeks, in order to hatch and raise chicks. They occationaly get up to eat, drink and deficate. The increased temperature from her body incubates fertile eggs and causes the chick to start growing inside the egg, until it's ready to hatch. If you don't have fertile eggs, then the eggs just eventually go bad if you don't collect them.

Young chicks stay with their mother and will sleep under her for warmth. After they get older, they'll start roosting with the adults.

If you have chickens that aren't full grown, yet, they may not roost until they get older. Younger chicks usually sleep in the floor.