the behavior of the roosters

[ewaugaman]

I have 8 chickens they are in a large coop, I have three boxes in there coop, at night all of them lay in one box, I have large sticks in there and they usually all get up on them during the day. I was just in there tossing their hay, they love it when I do that, then they pick things out of the hay like old grass that I give them and bugs if there is any.
I give them old bread every once in awhile, is this alright for them. they seem to like the old bread that I through in the coop.
How can I keep these chickens from all gathering in one nesting box ? they just do this at night time. I go in there everyday and clean out that box. Any Ideas out there. My hens still have not laid eggs yet I got them in March, so they should start laying right? maybe I should take the hay out of there boxes and put something else in there boxes. Please feel free to tell me what I am doing wrong. I think I have three roosters, one of them seems to like to peck me when I am in the coop. any suggestions?
thank you Ewaugamn

 

[SunHwaKwon]

It sounds like the nest boxes are too high and/or the roosts are too low or not comfortable for them to sleep on.

Also, what are you feeding them?

Don't give too much bread. A tiny bit now and then is okay.

ETA your thread title is confusing. Do you have roosters or pullets? lol

 

[ewaugaman]

I am feeding them paying pellets. I thought I had 8 hens, but by surprise I think I have three roosters, there combs are big and red, the hens don't have combs. LOL

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Pullets combs turn red when they are getting close to laying. Are they March babies (you say you got them then but don't say if they were chicks)? If so they will be close to laying and their combs will be bigger and redder. Is anyone crowing? Males should normally be crowing by now, and you would also see mating or at least the mating dance. If you post pics we can help you out.

Regardless, if they roosts are not higher than the nest boxes they will keep sleeping in the nest boxes unless you block them off.

 

[ewaugaman]

p

 

[ewaugaman]

Pullets combs turn red when they are getting close to laying. Are they March babies (you say you got them then but don't say if they were chicks)? If so they will be close to laying and their combs will be bigger and redder. Is anyone crowing? Males should normally be crowing by now, and you would also see mating or at least the mating dance. If you post pics we can help you out.

Regardless, if they roosts are not higher than the nest boxes they will keep sleeping in the nest boxes unless you block them off.

 

[ewaugaman]

thank you so much SunHwaKwon. I am almost embarrassed to tell you this I guess I don't understand what pullets are. I got my baby chicks from a feed store. can you explain to me please what pullets mean? possible I don't have roosters but they have a big gobbler plus the red comb. they are not crowing yet. so possible they are not roosters. I feel pretty stupid here, sorry. they are Rhode Island Reds

, I will see if I can take a picture for you.

 

[ewaugaman]

there is one little hen that i not a Rhode Island red, she is so cute.

 

[aart]

Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).

I see at least a few cockerels in there.
Move your roosts higher than the nests...or move the nests to the floor.

 

[ewaugaman]

Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).

I see at least a few cockerels in there.
Move your roosts higher than the nests...or move the nests to the floor.