Nest box being used as a roost.

[McSpin]

I'm wondering if I didn't design the box correctly. I have five 10 week old Welsummers that will all spend the night in the nest box. I can't believe how stuffed-in they are.

The box is built to hang outside of the coop so it doesn't take away from inside space. It is 12" x14" by 12" high. The bottom of it is 14" off the coop floor. It has a 2" lip may of plywood to keep the wood chips and eggs from falling out. I build it according to some info I got that suggested that size for med/large chickens. The coop itself is 6' by 4' and 4' high. There is 6' of 2x4 roost in the coop that they use, just not at night.

Could 10 week old birds get too cold at night (It hasn't gone below about 50 F so far)? The rafter area of the roof is open for ventilation. I haven't been covering them, since I didn't think it was that cold yet.

So, would anyone have a good idea of what might be causing this?

 

[chickflick]

They're probably a little young to be roosting. As babies, they like to huddle together. Can you block off the nest boxes till they're older?? They'll learn to use the roost if you take away the boxes. Just put chicken wire over the front for now. Sounds like you built the nest boxes right, tho.

 

[TxChiknRanchers]

Yep been there done that etc.................... did the same thing too early. Washed out a lotta poop, then closed the motel door so to speak.

 

[McSpin]

I just opened the box this week. I can easily put the wire back on. How will I know when a hen needs to use the box for the right purpose?

 

[silkiechicken]

If all your birds are the same age, open the boxes up and toss some golf balls in at about 17 weeks. Also make sure the roosts are higher than the nest boxes.