sleeping invthe nest boxes.

[jmod86]

It seems that my hens (6 of them) want to all sleep in the 2 nest boxes. The have nice roosting areas but dont use them! Is this going to be a problem when they are old enough to start laying? If so how do i correct this?! Help!

 

[pichuris]

You have come to the right place.

I would definately nip this in the fuzzy buts now. To do so close off the nest boxes so they have no choice. Then at night when they are going to bed see where they decide to go next. If its not the roost you may have to put them up there for a few nights till they get "the hint". Once they have this down & when they are closer to laying then open up the nests.

Have fun and again welcome.

 

[jmod86]

This is how they were about 10 minutes ago. I will have to figure out a way to block them off tomorrow. What about them sleeping on the ground, is that okay?

 

[KFCcrafter]

so one of my silkies has been sleeping in the nesting boxes... how long do i block them off for?

 

[jmod86]

Bump*

 

[kemclaughlin]

I block mine from the boxes until they are within a few weeks of laying their first egg.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Are the things in the back your nesting boxes? If I am seeing that picture right the roosts are lower that the boxes and the boxes are very open and right by the roosts?

This is going to be a problem. The roosts need to be higher that the boxes or they will never want to roost in them. I am also concerned looking at this that you will have problems with them not want to lay in the boxes. They like to feel isolated and safe in a darkish place when they lay and those look very open and exposed. Maybe something lower, covered and away from the roost bars will be helpful for all.

 

[jmod86]

Thanks you! i am going to lower and enclose the boxes. I bought those at TSC where i bought the chicks.

 

[pichuris]

Great ideas! Nest boxes lower then the roosts. Nest boxes in dark corner away from the usual activity. Chickens naturally like to hide their eggs so providing them with some isolation during laying is a plus. Hopefully and from experience usually only takes a few days.

 

[ibreathe4u]

Can I ask why this is a problem? Only one of my 3 hens roosts. The other two snuggle next to the nesting box. They never use the nesting box to lay, they lay in the same spot they sleep or when they're feeling mean they lay at the farthest corner of the coop so I have to lean in over the shavings to get them. I've tried putting them on the roost, I've also tried putting eggs in the nest box to no avail, they do what they want when they want.