The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: suziequeue on August 25, 2013, 06:51:38 pm

Title: How to stop hens sleeping in the nesting boxes
Post by: suziequeue on August 25, 2013, 06:51:38 pm

We have some young POLs who are roosting in the nest boxes now that they have moved in with the laying hens.


The roost is higher than the nest box but they are adamant!! They didn't do this in their old house and I suspect that there is a degree of bullying going on  >:(


How else can I discourage them from sleeping in the nest boxes? Can I put a curtain up or something and if so - what's the best material to use?

Title: Re: How to stop hens sleeping in the nesting boxes
Post by: mowhaugh on August 25, 2013, 09:23:18 pm

Will be interested to hear suggestions - mine have plenty of space, with a choice of roost/perch heights and so on, but all seem to love sleeping in the nest boxes.  In fact, tonight, there were 3 pullets in one.  They all looked very happy, so I don't suppose it matters, but then they wake up in the morning and poo in them, which is frustrating if I don't get them cleaned out before they lay.

Title: Re: How to stop hens sleeping in the nesting boxes
Post by: lord flynn on August 25, 2013, 09:37:14 pm

stick something in the nest box before they roost-flower pots, anything. or keep placing them on their perch after they've gone to bed-although in one case, that took well over a month to work. if its bullying, it may just take some time-once they get a bit more confident they'll be able to perch.

Title: Re: How to stop hens sleeping in the nesting boxes
Post by: in the hills on August 25, 2013, 09:39:14 pm

Put a piece of wood or similar across nest boxes at dusk/before they go to bed and remove first thing in morning.


cross posted with LF

Title: Re: How to stop hens sleeping in the nesting boxes
Post by: darkbrowneggs on August 25, 2013, 10:18:43 pm

All of the above, and also lift them onto the perches each night after dark.

Title: Re: How to stop hens sleeping in the nesting boxes
Post by: suziequeue on August 25, 2013, 10:35:30 pm

After all that - they seem to be on the proper perch tonight....


Here's hoping!!

Title: Re: How to stop hens sleeping in the nesting boxes
Post by: mowhaugh on August 26, 2013, 07:54:39 pm

Thank you for the advice.