Keeping nest box for eggs only!

You knew I'd be back, didn't you?!

OK, first problem. The underchicken of our 4 new girls (the Columbian coloured Light Sussex hybrid in the picture) always goes to bed first. And where she likes to sleep is in the nest box. I believe that I should strongly discourage this, because it means a messy nestbox and dirty eggs. So for the time being I have blocked off the nestbox with cardboard, and she is perching on the perches with the other chooks. Fine.

The only trouble is that our ISA Brown is just over 20 weeks old (the other girls are only 16 weeks) and she might be thinking about laying us an egg soon, I imagine. How can I discourage Ethel from sleeping in the nest box but leave it accessible for Jean when she wants to lay?

Should we build a little hidey hole elsewhere in the run, just in case? Steve is very handy and is enjoying creating structures for the birds.

Your advice eagerly sought!

If you remove the cardboard, does she go back to sleeping in the nestbox ?

You could try replacing her on the perch for a couple of nights just to remind her if she does. According to those who've had similar problems, it does work eventually.

It may work if you let them settle down then return after a couple of hours to remove the card. I wouldn't have thought she'd swap once she's settled.

Rob