[mikeschooks]

Just about to purchase a new ark for three girls. I have read something about keeping the shutters to the nest box closed during the night to prevent soiling the /dirty eggs. Am I correct in saying these would be kept shut throughout the night, and then open them first thing in the morning?  Thanks  Mike.

[colliebird]

Just about to purchase a new ark for three girls. I have read something about keeping the shutters to the nest box closed during the night to prevent soiling the /dirty eggs. Am I correct in saying these would be kept shut throughout the night, and then open them first thing in the morning?  Thanks  Mike.

Two of my hens lay at the crack of dawn, so unless you get up at dawn every day, I'd leave them open.  I check to see that my lot are on their perches before I close them up for the night.  If one is not on the perch, I put her on it.

Hope this helps

Valerie

[mikeschooks]

Thanks Valerie
No, I don't fancy getting up at the crack of dawn, so I will leave the shutters open.  Mike.

[smiler43]

I do the same as colliebird

[shiatsusu]

Yup, me too- my girls have started to grow out of sleeping in the nest boxes so they are clean all night now anyway, and have also changed their laying routine so they lay early too- to early even for me to get up and sort out shutters! 

[chickenlady]

I too check all girls are on roosting perches when i shut them up! 1 has taken to roosting on the sawdust bale so i lift her off too! she very persistant though!