How to Stop Chickens from Sleeping in Nesting Boxes

Picture this: you head out to the coop for morning chores, looking forward to gathering fresh eggs and feeding your hens, but instead you find a mess of droppings in every nesting box. Sound familiar? If you've got hens sleeping where they should be laying eggs, you're definitely not alone! Lots of backyard chicken keepers have had to learn how to stop chickens from sleeping in nesting boxes, especially those with young pullets or newly introduced birds. The good news is that it's totally fixable with a few simple changes to your coop setup and routine.

Why Your Chickens Are Sleeping in Nesting Boxes

Ever wonder what's going through your hens' minds when they settle into those cozy nesting boxes for the night? Here are the most common reasons they're avoiding their roosts:

They Can't Get Comfortable on the Roost 

If your roosting bars are too narrow, round, or awkward, your hens might find the nesting boxes more appealing. Think about it: would you want to balance on a broomstick all night?


There's Not Enough Room Up There 

Chickens need about 8 to 10 inches of roosting space per bird. If your flock is crowded or you've got some bossy hens claiming the prime real estate, the newcomers might give up and find their own spot.


Your Pullets Are Still Learning the Ropes 

Young hens who've just started laying sometimes haven't figured out the difference between sleeping and laying areas yet. They're like teenagers still working out the house rules!


It's Chilly Out There 

During colder months, those enclosed nesting boxes can feel like cozy little bedrooms compared to an open roost. Your hens might be huddling together for warmth.


Someone's Not Feeling Well 

Chickens feeling under the weather often avoid roosts because they lack the energy to hop up or balance properly. It's their way of conserving energy.


Why Chickens Shouldn’t Sleep in Nesting Boxes

You might think, "What's the big deal? They're comfortable!" But here's why sleeping in nesting boxes creates problems for both you and your flock:

Your Eggs Won't Stay Clean 

Here's something that might surprise you: chickens do most of their pooping at night. When they sleep in the boxes, your beautiful, fresh eggs become covered in droppings and are more likely to harbor bacteria.


The Boxes Get Trashed 

All that nighttime shuffling and scratching kicks out the nice, clean bedding you've provided. Before long, your hens are laying eggs on bare, uncomfortable surfaces.


It's Contagious 

Once one hen starts this habit, others follow suit. Pretty soon, you've got a whole flock treating your nesting boxes like a hotel!


It Stresses Out Broody Hens 

If you've got a determined mama trying to hatch eggs, nighttime visitors can really disrupt her focus and reduce her chances of success.


How to Keep Chickens from Sleeping in Nesting Boxes

Ready to reclaim your nesting boxes? These farmer-tested strategies will help you reset your flock's bedtime routine:

Make the Roosts the High-Value Real Estate 

Chickens naturally want to sleep at the highest point they can find. It's a safety instinct from their wild ancestors. You'll tap into this natural behavior by positioning your roosting bars higher than your nesting boxes.


Try the "Closed for the Night" Approach 

For a few nights, gently block off the nesting boxes with a piece of plywood or curtain after your hens have finished laying for the day. Just don't forget to open them back up in the morning! This temporary measure can help break the habit.


Give Those Boxes a Fresh Start 

Strip out all the old bedding, clean the boxes well, and add fresh, clean nesting material. Sometimes, a reset is all it takes to change behavior patterns.


Create a Cozy Roost Environment 

Use wooden bars that are 2 to 4 inches wide, flat enough for your hens to comfortably rest their feet. Make sure the roost area isn't drafty and provides enough space so everyone can settle in without squabbling.


Use Evening Treats as Training Tools 

About 30 minutes before sunset, scatter some scratch grains or special treats near the roosting area. This creates positive associations and encourages your hens to spend time in the right spot as bedtime approaches.


How to Get Chickens to Sleep on Roosts

Sometimes it's not just about stopping bad behavior: you need to actively encourage good habits, too. Here's how to make the roost the place to be:

Be Patient with Your Pullets 

Young hens might need a little hands-on guidance. Gently place them on the roost after dark for the first few nights. Most will get the idea within a week or so.


Check for Flock Drama 

Is there bullying happening on the roosts? Sometimes lower-ranking hens avoid the roost to escape aggressive flock mates. Addressing these dynamics can solve your nesting box problem.


Make Sure Everyone's Healthy 

If one particular hen keeps avoiding the roost, take a closer look. Check for injuries, mites, or signs of illness that might make roosting uncomfortable.


Keep Winter Comfort in Mind 

Consider adding wind protection around the roost area during cold months while keeping good ventilation. Your hens will choose comfort over habit most of the time.


Ensure Healthy Chicken Nutrition with Kalmbach Feeds

You know what's interesting? Sometimes behavioral issues like this can be connected to overall health and stress levels. That's why we're passionate about helping you provide the best possible nutrition for your flock.

When your hens get complete, balanced nutrition, they have the energy and health they need for normal behaviors, including proper roosting habits. A well-fed chicken is typically a well-behaved chicken!

At Kalmbach Feeds, we've worked with backyard chicken keepers for generations and understand that every flock is different. Our feeds are crafted with premium ingredients to support not just egg production, but overall wellness and natural behaviors.
Want to explore how the right nutrition can support your flock's health and happiness? Check out our complete line of poultry feeds and find the perfect match for your hens' needs.

Remember, every flock is different, and what works for one might need tweaking for another. The key is to stay patient, observe your hens' behavior, and make adjustments as needed. With a little time and the right approach, you'll have those nesting boxes clean and ready for their intended purpose: beautiful, fresh eggs!

Resources

• https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/collections/poultry
  
• https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/blogs/chickens/how-to-care-for-a-broody-hen  
  
• https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/collections/poultry/products/5-grain-premium-scratch-grain 
  
• https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/collections/poultry/products/henhouse-reserve%C2%AE-treats