Nesting box question

[janet2802]

Do you clean out nesting boxes periodically? My girls are not laying yet, but the do use the boxes for sleeping and pooping. I have sawdust and hay mixed together in the box and just noticed it is getting filled with lots of poop. No eggs yet, crossing my fingers. Should I clean it out and start fresh or leave it alone?

 

[speckledhen]

First you're going to have to break them of sleeping in the nests before you have any hope of keeping it clean. Try to block the nests off somehow and after a few nights of sleeping elsewhere, you're well on your way to establishing a new habit for them. You certainly do NOT want them sleeping in the nests when they start laying or all your eggs will be covered with poop. I do from time to time clean out the straw when it breaks down too much and fill the nests with fresh.

 

[silkiechicken]

I agree with speckledhen. Get them to sleep elsewhere, maybe roosts higher than the boxes. Else you'll have some poopy eggs later!

 

[bigzio]

Yep, you could prolly hang some material across the front, then cut a slit down the middle for a entrance. It should help to keep the pullets out til they are ready to lay. Once they start to lay it helps to give the hen privacy while laying, although some hens are relentless no matter what you do.
Keeping the general flock under control no matter how large it may be is the key to success.... keeping the nest clean makes egg collecting more fun, even though some cleaning of the eggs is still necessary no matter what you do. Still the best eggs on earth!

bigzio