The Bird Run question

[aart]

Regarding your comment on roosting, should I block off the nest boxes, thereby coaxing the birds to roost on the two roosting bars over the poop trays?

Yes.
You also might want to raise the roosts, this might help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ng-in-nest-boxes.1134399/page-2#post-17749535

How far away from wall is the roost shown above?
Best about 12" from walls for full grown large fowl birds.

 

[Tree Goat]

Yes.
You also might want to raise the roosts, this might help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ng-in-nest-boxes.1134399/page-2#post-17749535

How far away from wall is the roost shown above?
Best about 12" from walls for full grown large fowl birds.

Thanks Aart. I checked the link. Interesting. The design of the coop I bought is not correct for the ideal environment to train birds not to sleep in the nesting boxes. Should I cover the nesting boxes up completely to ensure they know they are not for sleeping? The hens are ten weeks old, so they have a lot of time to get accustomed to not seeing the nesting boxes. I read hens are ready to lay eggs approximately 17 weeks, so I'll wait until then to reintroduce the hens to the boxes.