Need some nesting box help

[aggie2013]

So I bought a one of the pre designed set up at home chicken coops from Atwoods. It works wonderfully except for one problem. The nesting boxes and roosts are at the same level. Guess where my girls prefer to sleep? As a result my nesting boxes are very nasty no matter how much I try to keep them cleaned out. Any suggestions for how to retrain my girls? I know it's a habit that is hard to break.

http://www.atwoods.com/poultry-coops-netting/coops-and-feathers-extreme-walk-in-chicken-coop.htm

Heres a link for what it looks like. (Also I should note that I didnt spend 800 on it. I wanted the smaller version for 200 and they gave me this one instead)

 

[Chicken Girl1]

I have the same problem, not that my nesting boxes are the same level as the roosts, but the lowest in the pecking order try to sleep by themselves. The only think that has worked is by blocking them off at night (with card board, a bucket, or wood) and opening them back up in the morning.

 

[chickens really]

Yes, blocking them off will train them to Roost instead of cuddle down........


Cheers!

 

[junebuggena]

First of all, can you raise up the roosts at all? Secondly, are the roosts wide enough to accommodate the size of your birds' feet? Most prefab coops have tiny roosts that just aren't comfortable for large breed hens.

 

[chickens really]

2x4s flat side up work the best.........




Cheers!

 

[aggie2013]

Should I block them off entirely for now? No one is laying at the moment because of the time of year. (Lazy freeloaders)

The roosts are about 2 inches wide and 4 foot long. However they prefer the roost on the tiny 1/2in wide guard for the nesting boxes. The roosts cant really be moved at all.

 

[chickens really]

Should I block them off entirely for now? No one is laying at the moment because of the time of year. (Lazy freeloaders)

The roosts are about 2 inches wide and 4 foot long. However they prefer the roost on the tiny 1/2in wide guard for the nesting boxes. The roosts cant really be moved at all.

Yes, block them off and use 2x4s...........

 

[Raymond Dean White]

I've always heard if you use 2x4's for roosts they should be placed narrow side up. I don't think my hens feet could grab the 3 1/2" flat side. Any comments?

 

[aart]

I've always heard if you use 2x4's for roosts they should be placed narrow side up. I don't think my hens feet could grab the 3 1/2" flat side. Any comments?

Wide side up works fine here, and in many other coops.

It's a great and hot debate topic:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/1199422/?q=roost+size&t=post&c[title_only]=1&o=relevance

Here's a good experiment prompted by the debate:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-perch-experiment.74272/