Nesting boxes...

[toysamarie]

My chickens are 17 weeks, and they still haven't used the nesting boxes. They all sleep on the coop floor or perched on buckets. Is this normal, or should I try something different for the nesting boxes? Do they need nesting boxes and another area to sleep?

 

[krista74]

Yes!

They need a roost to sleep on.

It could be a thick tree branch, or some 2x4 planks of wood, and it should be a few feet off the ground, and higher than the nest boxes.

You should allow about 10-12 inches of roost space per bird.

You don't want them sleeping in the nest boxes at all. They are solely for laying eggs in, not for sleeping in.

The fact that your girls are sleeping on the buckets is a sure-fire indication they want to roost - UP!

This is their natural tendency, designed to protect them from predators.

Please do put in a roost for them. They will be much more comfortable and feel safer.

- Krista

 

[toysamarie]

Ok. Thank you so much! I will be doing it this weekend.

 

[krista74]

No problems

Good luck with the build.

- Krista