Problem with nesting boxes?

[shinygirl]

My hens are about 3 months old, so they've been in their coop for a couple months, yet they refuse to go in their nesting boxes! They go up the stairs and practically sit on top of each other right at the entrance to the top level of our coop. They seem perfectly comfortable and happy, but they sit in their own poop and I feel sorry for them! They don't even really go farther than the entrance so they poop in the same spot. I want them to go in their nesting boxes so they can lay their eggs there when they start, which I know they will soon! Does anyone have any ideas why they do this? I've put treats in there to lure them in but that doesn't work.

 

[CamdenLab]

You don't want them in the boxes until they are about to lay. Otherwise they hog them for sleeping and pooping, not laying.

To get them further in, put a light in the coop or add more windows. Mine were doing the same thing until I put a battery operated light in there, towardvthe dark area. Now they are roosting and not just in the 12"x12" spot in front of the pop door.

 

[shinygirl]

Okay awesome! It is pretty dark in the upstairs area! Thank you so much for your help! My girls will appreciate it!