Next Box and Huddle Box

[SunnyAlberta]

We have two identical nest boxes. My three pullets, none laying yet, like to cram into the rear box at night instead of roosting. In the front box I've put a dark Rubbermaid box and a couple of golf balls. Does it matter I'm finding lots of poo in both boxes? Should I force the girls to roost instead of huddling by covering both boxes until eggs come?

 

[AlienChick]

I would not suggest allowing them to sleep inside the nest boxes unless you don't mind the poo mess.
Make sure your roosts are higher than the nest boxes.
Some birds, like Silkies, will prefer to huddle together in a box or corner of the coop anyway.

 

[HEChicken]

You might try blocking off the nest boxes so they can't roost in them. I just built a new coop and installed the nest boxes last weekend. The first night a group of six decided they were a great place to sleep. I moved them - twice - to the roosts. By then it was too dark for them to move so they stayed on the roosts. Next morning I took some feed sacks and tacked them to the top of the boxes so they hang down in front. During the day I can fold them up and over the back to open up the nest boxes for the layers. At night I can pull them back down in front of the boxes to block off access. Voila. The next night that same group of six was in the nest boxes but all I had to do was move them, then pull the feed sacks down to prevent them returning. Ditto the next night. Tonight I went to check on them and the six had given up the idea of roosting in the nest boxes and were on the roosts. So the next boxes stayed open. It only took 2-3 days to convince them the roosts are a better place to sleep so it was worth the effort.

 

[ChickNhood]

Ive got.a.bantam brahma that refuse to roost... She would much rather hangout in the
Nest box at ground level then be on a roost

 

[SunnyAlberta]

Make sure your roosts are higher than the nest boxes.

They are. The girls don't refuse to use the roost, they just spend more time in the box.

I took some feed sacks and tacked them to the top of the boxes so they hang down in front. During the day I can fold them up and over the back to open up the nest boxes for the layers. At night I can pull them back down in front of the boxes to block off access.

 

[SunnyAlberta]

Interesting update. I turned the Rubbermaid bin upside down and now the girls aren't using the nest behind it, either. They are roosting! Silly girls.