Poop in nesting boxes

[OkChickens]

How do I stop my chickens from pooping/roosting in my nesting boxes instead of the roosts?

-Nate

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Are your roosts higher than the nest boxes? If not you'll have to move them up.

I had one broody hen that wanted to sleep in the nest boxes. Each night when I locked up the coop I'd take her out and put her on the roost. Took a few days but she finally got it.

 

[OkChickens]

I have 2 metal 10 galvanized aluminum nesting boxes and the roosts are about 1-2 inches lower than the edge of the nesting boxes? How do I "raise them up?"

-Nate

 

[Yay Chicks!]

How are your roosts set in now?

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Are you using the bottom of the nesting box for your roosts? If I'm hearing you right you are. Those are not meant for a bird to roost on, just to help them step up into their boxes. They'll naturally want to roost in the highest spot in the coop.
Find yourself a 2 x 4 and place it wide side up somewhere away from a draft in your coop. Pics would be nice so we'd know exactly what kind of set up you have.

 

[OrloffTom]

Well, I wasn't really having a problem with them pooping in my boxes but sleeping in there. So, mine weren't laying yet so I covered up the boxes for a couple days until they figured it out lol. I removed the covers and as far as I know they don't sleep in there anymore but I do find some poop in there from time to time. I think sometimes it's one of those "nature calls" things and they just can't help it

 

[OkChickens]

I have regular metal nesting boxes with the roosts about 6 inches in front of the boxes... I can't post pics I'm on my phone or at least I don't know how to...

-Nate

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

You'll need to raise them so that they're higher than the boxes. Here's a thread with some pics of inside coops and their roosts. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=316494&p=4

If you don't have room to place a roost higher you can always lower your nest boxes and put a roost above them.

 

[OkChickens]

They are made with the roosts attached to the nesting boxes

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Are you pulling my chain?