nest box problems

[tomfromsc]

Hi I'm new here and need some help figuring out what my birds are thinking ...if you can say that about a chicken ...I have a family unit of Brahmas (4 hens 1 rooster) 2 years old +/- , they never had a coop and a run , they had a run and a couple of boxes to go in . I brought them to their new home and kept them confined to the coop for a few days to get them used to it . The first night all 5 stayed in 2 nest boxes and have since spread out to 3 nest boxes but spend all the nights so far (15) in the boxes ,they are molting so no eggs yet. I had hoped once they got used to the new housing they would roost on the poles but that is not happening. I am thinking of blocking the nest boxes off to force them to roost or should I give them more time ? one hen still refuses to go in the coop at night she tries bat seems afraid ,but I think that will work out ,if I pick her up and put her on the ramp she will go in (slow learner )I guess . I would like to get this behavior problem solved , is it the coop set up , the birds history , or my lack of knowledge ... thanks for looking

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Hi I'm new here and need some help figuring out what my birds are thinking ...if you can say that about a chicken ...I have a family unit of Brahmas (4 hens 1 rooster) 2 years old +/- , they never had a coop and a run , they had a run and a couple of boxes to go in . I brought them to their new home and kept them confined to the coop for a few days to get them used to it . The first night all 5 stayed in 2 nest boxes and have since spread out to 3 nest boxes but spend all the nights so far (15) in the boxes ,they are molting so no eggs yet. I had hoped once they got used to the new housing they would roost on the poles but that is not happening. I am thinking of blocking the nest boxes off to force them to roost or should I give them more time ? one hen still refuses to go in the coop at night she tries bat seems afraid ,but I think that will work out ,if I pick her up and put her on the ramp she will go in (slow learner )I guess . I would like to get this behavior problem solved , is it the coop set up , the birds history , or my lack of knowledge ... thanks for looking

My first flock of pullets haven't started laying yet, so I can't help in that area. But my hens had not learned how to climb the ladder for a few days since they moved in. They didn't us their roosts at night for a week, mainly because they didn't notice they were there, but what I'm trying to say is that it depends on how it's built, and how fast your chickens adjust/learn new things.

Also, I'd love to say I hope you find many nice people on this site and learn lots! Good luck in the chicken world!

 

[jballone]

Block the nest boxes. I've used milk jugs with sand in them for exactly the reason you mentioned.

 

[MagpieDucks]

When you go into the coop at night, carefully place each chicken on the roost. It may take a few nights of doing so, but they will figure it out. If you block of the best boxes, they will most likely just sleep on the floor.

 

[tomfromsc]

Thanks that's some good ideas I will try both in a day or two what is real puzzling to me is there are 6 boxes and they use the same ones since day one

 

[aart]

They are creatures of habit.
Block the nests and put them on the roosts after dark.
But first make sure your roosts are of adequate size and placement.
They should be at least 2-3" wide,
at least 12" from wall,
about 12" higher than nests,
12" of roost length per bird,
and be easy to get up onto and especially get down from.
Height of roosts may be dependent on how much landing area there is in the coop.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

At two years old your newly acquired chickens may never roost. Also Brahmas birds may be so heavy and clumsy that they may also be unable to roost and if they do take to the roost they may develop problems with their feet and legs. Let us not kid ourselves, chickens are unable to apply logic, so even if a bird learns how to climb up to a roost when the morning comes they are likely to do the normal and natural chicken thing and "fly" down. Thus developing joint problems because their landing gear is not up to the task.

 

[aart]

Also Brahmas birds may be so heavy and clumsy that they may also be unable to roost and if they do take to the roost they may develop problems with their feet and legs.

My brahmas needed wider nest perches and roosts, 2x4 wide side up....and they always used the ramps I provided.

 

[tomfromsc]

Thanks for the help I have perches that fit that criteria you can check them in the picture on my intro post same perches at the other end and they have no trouble getting up to the outside perches I will try your suggestions and be more patient thanks again