Should I let a broody hen sit in the boxes?

[Knock Kneed Hen]

I have 18 hens and am continually finding two of my Australorps sitting in the nest boxes whether there are eggs in them or not. Now they're trying to sleep in them. I take them out at night when I lock up the coop and I put them on the roost. They must hop down and go in them first thing in the morning because there they are again!! I've been kicking them out of the boxes whenever I find them just sitting there. Am I doing the right thing?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Sounds like they are broody. This thread might help.

Break a Broody Thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2176186#p2176186

Unless you want to give them fertile eggs to hatch, I think you are doing the right thing by trying to break them. I think it is cruel to just let a hen go on forever being broody. They do not eat or drink as much as they really should, lose weight, and are more at risk to parasites and disease.

Good luck!

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Thanks!! This is my first flock and I was surprised to find one of the broody hens wasn't as plump as her room mates!! Now I know why.