[Pavlodge]

My hens have taken to using  the nest boxes as a toilet during the night They seem to sleep in them too rather than on the perches provided .

[Rubyroo]

Hi, mine went through stages of sleeping/messing their nest box too so i've cut a strip of hessian sack to almost the size of the nestbox opening. Make sure it's 1-2 cm's short on each end, and about 1cm short along the bottom, this leaves a gap, so the curious chooks will looks in, see a dark quiet space to lay in, but be put off from sleeping at night (as it's far too dark when they look at bed time. I've just tacked it onto the underside of the lid of the nest box with U shaped staples, and so far so good.

[Jo57]

Thanks Rubyroo for good idea. My 3 (2 and a chick) all crowd into one nest box to snuggle for night leaving 2 good perches and other nest box free. I'll give it a go. Sorry for jumping in on your thread Pavlodge.

[jennie hennie]

Mine started that too, particularly Miss Costantly Broody!    I just place a large plastic flowerpot in there at night, they're back on the perches. I assume any object will do.
It such a pain having to clean out nest boxes every day.
 Good Luck

[bantam novice]

Some good ideas there.    I have the same trouble with my Orpingtons.

[symonep]

Mine have always done this as well, may give the hessian thing a try. Even my new girls sleep in their nest box.

[Sassy]

It is usually recommended to lift them onto the perches from the nest boxes until they get the idea. I have not done it myself and the hessian idea sounds good.

[Pavlodge]

Thanks all . Have just put some hessian up  will report back .