Sleeping in nest boxes

[georgialucas]

We have 2, 16 week old hens, only had them 3 nights. They slept on a perch the 1st night but have since taken to sleeping in the nest boxes. It is 0 degrees here in the uk, was wondering if that was why? Very new to chicken keeping.

 

[sourland]

Are the roosts higher than the nest boxes? Chickens tend to roost on the highest point available. Can you block the nest boxes with wire or cardboard until the pullets start using the roost?

 

[kannna]

I find sometimes they sleep in the nest box because they like to huddle when anxious. Yours would be anxious because they are in a new home. I had some big girls start sleeping in the nest box after they witnessed an attack of their friend out in the yard.

The best thing to do is to take that option away. Block off the nest box so the only option is to sleep on the roost. Or go out there every night and kick them out of the nest box. Eventually they will get the gist.