Sleeping

[Adrienne-m]

Hey! So my 2 new polish hens and frizzle rooster (about 5 months) refuse to roost. They insist on sleeping in the nest box. I know they are still a bit (a lot) skittish of the “OG’s” but don’t seem to be getting picked on anymore. There is plenty of room on the roost. There is even a whole row lower than the others. Any ideas to fix this? I know they’d be happier and warmer if they’re could snuggle up on the roost with everyone plus my boxes wouldn’t be poo covered

 

[black_cat]

I have no idea. Maybe if you go out late enough they'll be sleepy enough that you can just put them on the roosts without protest.

 

[AngelaY]

Can you take the brood boxes out for a few days?

 

[Chookwagn]

Block the boxes up for a couple of nights and open them in the morning.... once they have used the roosts for a few days they won't go back to the nests

 

[rosemarythyme]

Block the boxes up for a couple of nights and open them in the morning.... once they have used the roosts for a few days they won't go back to the nests

This, or if you have layers that need the box in the morning, uncover the nests later on in evening after it's completely dark and chickens have settled down for the night.

 

[aart]

Yes, I block the nests an hour before roosting time, unblock after dark when I lock up.