Hens Sleeping in Nesting Boxes Causes and Solutions

Imagine walking into your coop at dusk, expecting to find your flock settled on their perches. Instead, you discover hens crammed into nesting boxes, their designated egg-laying spaces now doubling as overnight accommodations. This scenario is far from rare—many poultry keepers grapple with the puzzling behavior. What drives hens to forsake their roosts for nesting boxes? And how can this habit be corrected?

Nesting boxes are designed exclusively for egg-laying: ideally, hens should use them briefly for depositing eggs and leave them vacant otherwise. When boxes become sleeping quarters, it often signals underlying issues in the coop environment. Common causes include:

• Overcrowding: Insufficient coop space forces hens to seek alternative resting spots, with nesting boxes becoming unintended shelters.
• Poor Perch Design: Rough materials, incorrect heights, or inadequate numbers of perches compromise comfort, driving hens toward softer nesting boxes.
• Lighting Disruptions: Excessive artificial light at night disturbs natural sleep cycles, prompting hens to seek darker nesting boxes.
• Parasite Infestations: Pests like poultry mites often cluster around perches, making nesting boxes a refuge from irritation.
• New Flock Members: Lower-ranking hens may avoid competition for prime perch spots by retreating to boxes.
• Health Issues: Injured or ill hens frequently isolate themselves in nesting boxes to minimize movement and avoid perceived threats.

Addressing this behavior requires a multifaceted approach. Begin by auditing the coop’s conditions:

• Ensure adequate space—experts recommend at least 4 square feet per hen in the coop.
• Install smooth, rounded perches at varying heights (2–4 feet off the ground) and allow 8–10 inches of perch space per bird.
• Eliminate nighttime light sources; red bulbs are preferable if supplemental lighting is necessary.
• Treat parasites promptly with approved miticides and clean perches regularly.
• Introduce new hens gradually, providing temporary additional perches during integration.
• Isolate and treat sick or injured birds separately.

For persistent cases, gently herd hens onto perches at dusk and temporarily block access to nesting boxes overnight. Consistent redirection helps reestablish proper roosting habits while keeping nesting boxes sanitary for their intended purpose.