Using nest boxes to hang?

[Lisa Wood]

Hi there,

We just moved our first ever ten chicks, into our first ever coop yesterday. They are exactly 3 weeks old, and a variety pack. My question is, is it ok for them to sleep, hang out, in their nest boxes? Or will it discourage them later yo use them to lay?

Thanks,
Lisa

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

This is a common issue encountered with young birds given access to nest boxes prior to the onset of production - it is one that you want to discourage. Chickens are very prolific poopers, and when they are hanging out in the boxes for any purpose other than to lay they are going to poop in the boxes - this means when the eggs *do* start to come you will have them arriving into poopy nest boxes. As you have no birds of laying age that need to be able to get into the nest boxes the simplest solution is to block the access to the boxes - this prevents the birds forming a habit of using the boxes for purposes other than their intended use. Once your birds begin to show signs of impending production, or even after you find your first egg(s) you open the boxes, place "bait" eggs (golf balls, wooden eggs, etc) in them to show what the boxes are for and allow them to explore teh boxes at that point.

 

[Lisa Wood]

This is a common issue encountered with young birds given access to nest boxes prior to the onset of production - it is one that you want to discourage.  Chickens are very prolific poopers, and when they are hanging out in the boxes for any purpose other than to lay they are going to poop in the boxes - this means when the eggs *do* start to come you will have them arriving into poopy nest boxes.  As you have no birds of laying age that need to be able to get into the nest boxes the simplest solution is to block the access to the boxes - this prevents the birds forming a habit of using the boxes for purposes other than their intended use.  Once your birds begin to show signs of impending production, or even after you find your first egg(s) you open the boxes, place "bait" eggs (golf balls, wooden eggs, etc) in them to show what the boxes are for and allow them to explore teh boxes at that point.

Thankyou so much! It us just so refreshing to not know, ask s question, and be informed! I wish i could ask and get good answers on other lifd questions......

 

[Blooie]

Thankyou so much! It us just so refreshing to not know, ask s question, and be informed! I wish i could ask and get good answers on other lifd questions......

I'm available for that......ain't guaranteeing the success of the answers, but I'm such a snoopy nose that I am always willing to interfere! (Not a word, OGM, not a word!!)

 

[Pork Pie]

I'm available for that......ain't guaranteeing the success of the answers, but I'm such a snoopy nose that I am always willing to interfere! (Not a word, OGM, not a word!!)

I second that, Blooie!

CT

 

[Blooie]

I second that, Blooie!

CT

Where'd you come from? Pay him no mind, @Lisa Wood ! He just thinks he knows me!!

 

[Lisa Wood]

Blooie and KTKen! You guys are funny! Maybe he wants to get to know more than your chickens, aye?

 

[Pork Pie]

Blooie and KTKen! You guys are funny! Maybe he wants to get to know more than your chickens, aye?

Gosh no, Blooie scares the pants offa me!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I'm available for that......ain't guaranteeing the success of the answers, but I'm such a snoopy nose that I am always willing to interfere! (Not a word, OGM, not a word!!)

LOL - no words from me, Blooie. I happen to think we are full of wisdom around here