how do you stop the hens from pooing in the nest box i have 4 nest boxs they only lay in 2 and poo in the other 2 can this b stoped thank you
Yes, put nappies on them!!! ;D
Seriously, hens will poo anywhere, in their food or water as well as the nest boxes. The only thing you can do is to change the straw frequently so it lessens the chance of soiled eggs.
Are they sleepping in the nest box? i find mine poo in there if they sleep there.
If they only lay in 2 of them they must think that the other 2 are something else - like a loo! I find mine all lay in the same spot - they just have one big nest box & they don't usually poo in it.
Sounds like they are roosting in them boxes Sid ..Are they higher than the other boxes? Have they plenty of perch space?
Nappies ;D ;D ;D oh
Does sound like their roosting in them at night.
Extra perching space could be a soild box just something to get them off the ground.
I have one c*ck who roosts on the edge of nest box ( bum outside) which is 2" off the ground what makes him happy he is a silkie.
Or just put woodshavings/ shredded paper in the nest boxes which is easy to clean out daily?
i have a perch in the hut but i dont think they are using it it is about a foot off the bottom of the hut the perch is around 4 inch wide i think it might b to wide but got told it was ok by sumone on allotment
Make sure the roosting perches are higher than the nestbox.
Locate the nestbox in a dark area of the house and make it as dark as possible. Make sure it has a roof.