Tidy pooping behavior

[bittyflock]

About 8 months ago I got 2 new hens after loosing my previous pair to a bobcat. These two are a Delaware and Wyandotte that we’re raised together. I’d had a few pairs prior to my latest and I’ve never experienced what these guys have done with their coop. They have 2 laying boxes, and dutifully lay in one, and poop in the other! It’s like a litter box inside the coop. My previous hens pooped and laid wherever they pleased. I think it’s really funny that these two are so organized. But I wonder what’s behind their behavior - anyone ever experience this before? Were they just raised to be polite?

 

[aart]

Are they sleeping in that nest at night?
Certainly they don't go to the nest every time they poop, do they?

 

[bittyflock]

Are they sleeping in that nest at night?
Certainly they don't go to the nest every time they poop, do they?

I’m not aware that they are sleeping in there, but I suppose it is possible that one of them is. The less dominant one didn’t take to roosting for a long time and had been sleeping close the other one but on the ground - but I thought she actually was roosting most of the time now. I’m curious if maybe she’s actually sleeping in the laying box now and will spy on her tonight.