nesting box problems?

[Dan Davis]

Can you add another roost?

You would want it far enough away that a hen on one roost cannot peck a hen on the new roost.

I think I have that figured out, will need to ponder 3killerB's comments b4 proceeding.

 

[Dan Davis]

Make more roost space. If you can make that roost longer, put up a divider or two along the roost. This way, they can't see all of them roosting on the same bars. You could use cardboard, to give it a try or hang some material, old towel.... I saw this done on here awhile back.

Thank you

 

[Dan Davis]

Yep, tight space......unless, you have a large weather and predator proof run.

I would rework the roosts and nests tho.
Make the nests so you can cover them easily and they can perch on the sides.

The coop is too small for the number of birds you have and there isn't enough roost space. You need about a foot per bird and that can be pushing it if they don't all get along.
The coop also looks to be severely lacking in ventilation.

I didn't realize the ventilation until this heat wave, I'll address that this weekend.

 

[3KillerBs]

Thank you, I didn't know about the linear foot rule. I had a hunch the coop was a bit too small, but thought it could work. I also thought the sq ft rule was 2-3 inside, and 6-8 outside. I'll do some figuring on how to increase sq ft without too much trouble.

Where, in general, are you located? Climate matters so we can give better advice.

Can you show us more photos of your coop and run? We can try to help you find a way to work with what you have.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

We need some advice.

We have 17 hens, the dominant 5 have the lower 12 sleeping on the floor of the coop/in the nesting boxes. How can I rectify this situation so the nesting boxes will be used as intended? The coop is 6' x 8'. The hens are 4.5 mo. We have been unsuccessful in breaking this habit in the 2 stage transition from brooder to this coop. The brooder had roost options, but we suspect the pecking order kept many chicks off the roost. The temporary coop had plenty of roost area, but again roughly half slept on the floor, a continuation of the pecking order??

Now they are in their permanent coop, and I am concerned this learned behavior has impacted the nesting box purpose/area.

I have seriously considered upgrading to a reversible roll-away nesting box from Hengear, and adding more roosting opportunities. This upgrade would require some modifications, so I am open to suggestions on that as well.

View attachment 2721746

Look at the chicken peakin’ in the door