[chucksaway]

Hi, we are new to chicken keeping and are having trouble with the hens roosting in the nest boxes not on the perches. Is this ok? Have tried blocking them off but as soon as they can get back in they use them to roost.  They are only 18 weeks so no eggs yet. Would be grateful for any ideas??

[jack russell]

they will roost where they feel comfortable until they settle themselves in then it will all become apparent or not let them do there own thing   go with the flow and all that................

[woodburner]

The problem with sleeping in the nest boxes is that they poop where they sleep so you will have dirty eggs. The usual advice is to move them onto the perch(es) after they have gone to bed for a few nights.

[Aunt Sally]

I just remove the poo from the nesting box first thin in the morning - takes 10 seconds  

[Vember]

I just remove the poo from the nesting box first thin in the morning - takes 10 seconds  

Snap  

[smiler43]

Only had my 3 girls 2 weeks, one started off in the nest box, then got the hang of the perch.  Then another took to the nest box but after a few nights of picking her up and placing her on the perch they are all on there now

But like Aunt Sally says it only takes second to clear the poo out

[kenny d]

When i first got me chooks 1 roosted in a nest box , after removing it at night a few times it's always on the perch now , "Education" i geus they needed schooling  HE HE  

[chucksaway]

Thanks to everyone for your advice.

I unblocked the nest boxes and have left them to do their own thing, most of them have got the hang of the perches. I'll try moving the rest when they've gone to roost.

Thanks again folks.