Questions about Sleeping, Roosting and Nesting Box Needs...

[tdmom]

Hi, the 4 chickens I have are now 9 weeks old and since we don't have a finished coop or pen yet, (free range during day and sleep in an extra large dog crate in our garage at night), I wanted to ask a couple of questions.

1---Am I doing a disservice to them because they cannot roost since there is nothing yet for them to roost on? They sleep huddled together in a corner of the crate and during the day they sleep huddled together in my flower garden or under the large bushes/shrubs. Is roosting necessary for them and will they instinctively learn how to do it if provided with a roosting bar in their coop?

2--Is a roosting bar REQUIRED in a coop?

3--In the coop, (when they are ready to lay), will they take turns using the nesting boxes to lay eggs or do they each need one? Also, do they poop in the nesting box or just lay eggs?

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Roosting is an instinctive behavior for most chickens and other domestic and wild ground birds. The higher up they get, the safer they are from predators at night. I think, given the opportunity, your hens will roost just fine, but it might take a few nights. Even after moving into the coop and roosting successfully, my pullets would still nap together all piled up, outside during the day (until about 14 wks).

Most chickens prefer to roost (except meat birds) and so I think it is best to offer roosts for them. They will feel much safer off the ground at night and stay cleaner. I also have my nest boxes blocked off because of sleeping and pooping there.

Most folks recommend 1 nest box for every 3-4 hens. I would provide 2, if possible, in case one hen gets broody or possessive and hogs the only nest. Placing the nest boxes lower than the roosts will discourage sleeping in them (and therefore pooping too). Look on the COOPS section and see the best dimensions for your size hens. Limiting the height can discourage walking around and breaking eggs (and pooping). Sometimes they track poop and mud in on their feet.

Poop happens!

In the end, chickens will be chickens. You could build them the Taj Mahal of coops and they might choose to sleep on the floor and lay eggs outside. Stick to the tried and true basics and what works best for you.

Best wishes!

 

[tdmom]

Thank you, I really appreciate your help!