Why do they do this?

[7L Farm]

I cleaned out the coop yesterday & was using hay in the nesting boxes but they keep pulling it out. So, instead of using hay I used pine shaving but had the same results they pulled it out. Why do they keep doing this?

 

[bokboklady]

hi, i am eager to see your answers as mine do the same, dont go near the nesting box's so i put the straw on the floor but they still chuck it around, !

 

[Sjisty]

I'm not sure why, but I have seen some of my hens put hay on their backs while they are laying, then when they are finished and jump out, the hay goes out with them. Maybe they are just trying to get comfortable.

 

[7L Farm]

Quote:
My Chic's aren't laying. They always sleep on their roost.

 

[7L Farm]

Maybe I need to rephrase the question. Should I continuously build the nest or just leave it alone. Thanks.

 

[sheaviance1]

Are they laying yet? You can put little "curtains" on your nest boxes to deter non-laying activity (also helps with pooping/roosting in the nest boxes). I would continue to build the nest, but only because I don't want the eggs broken. My girls leave their nesting area alone, but the litter on the floor gets turned constantly (Thank you ladies) and helps to keep the smell down.

 

[7L Farm]

I found the chickens in their nesting boxes yesterday. They were scratching in them looking for bugs I guess. Is this normal or what?

 

[henney penny]

They scratch before they lay eggs,my faverolles just started laying and they will scratch for half an hour before they lay an egg and by then most of the bedding is on the floor.Not all my chickens do that some do a little sractching and then lay the egg and I do have some that will put bedding on there back.

 

[sheaviance1]

I am beginning to wonder if there is a definition to normal for chickens.

I'm sure it is normal. When mine first started laying, they rearranged the nest boxes to suit theirselves. Now, they only go in there to lay an egg. Are your boxes elevated? Mine are, and the ladies never go in there and mess around anymore unless they are laying. I had one who had taken to sleeping in the nest, I kept moving her out. She now only goes in to lay. Good luck!

 

[7L Farm]

Quote:
Yes , they are elevated.