Nesting box training

[Maddly]

Can anyone give me any advice on how to teach my hens not to sleep in their nesting box? They are 12 weeks old now, and we had kept the nesting box blocked off until recently. As soon as we opened it up, they moved right in and slept in the softest area. Whenever I catch them in the nesting area I shoo them out, and we have added golf balls into the nest to teach them where to lay their eggs, but they still love to hide in there at night. One hen in particular is being picked on by our two little cockerels and likes to hide out in there to escape them.

Should I close that area back up for a little longer, until the hens start laying and/or we are able to rehome our cockerels? I've tried teaching them to roost instead of sleeping on the floor, but they still prefer to all cuddle up together at night even though it is very warm here in Texas all night long.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[sourland]

Are your roosts higher than the nest boxes? Chickens tend to roost at the highest point possible. I would suggest getting rid of/separating the cockerels and blocking off the nest boxes until the pullets start roosting. Raise the roosts if they are lower than the next boxes.

 

[Maddly]

Yes, the roosts are higher than the nesting box, but the hens don't seem to like them at all. Both cockerels are up on the roost pretty often, I think they may be scaring off the hens. I'll try blocking off the nesting box a little longer. Thanks so much!!

 

[sourland]

It almost sounds as if removing the cockerels from the flock might be your solution.

 

[Maddly]

That's what I was afraid of, we will be really sad to see them go. Such sweet little chickens!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would block off the nest boxes, it will be a while yet, they are probably being harassed by the roosters, you could provide more roosting spots, there is always chaos during the the maturity phase, it's quite normal and it will drive you crazy trying to make everyone happy, get rid of the roosters if you don't want them, or separate them for a while, or just let things work out. They are too young to know what the nestboxes are for, so they make a nice place to sleep away from the boys. More roost options are needed I think. And you didn't say what type of roosts you are using, they may be uncomfortable.