How to Keep Chickens from Leaving Poo in the Nest Boxes 🥚🐔
If you’ve ever reached into a nest box expecting a warm egg and instead found… a little pile of poo, you know the frustration. 😕 Chickens don’t always know the difference between a nest and a perch, which means sometimes they leave more than just eggs behind. The good news? With a few simple adjustments, you can keep your boxes clean, your eggs fresher, and your mornings much more pleasant. 🌞
I learned this lesson after hatching 24 eggs (21 of them hens). 🐣 I hadn’t expected such a high hatch rate, but suddenly I had a flock of young layers all looking for a place to sleep. A few tried roosting on top of the metal nest box, which turns into a slide when a chicken dozes off. To fix it, I added more roost bars so everyone had space, replaced the old excelsior pad (affiliate link), and shooed one broody mamma outside (sorry, Sweetie). The result? Clean eggs again and a calmer, happier coop. 🍳
Why Chickens Poo in Nest Boxes 🤔
Nest boxes are cozy, private, and usually the cleanest part of the coop. That makes them perfect for laying, but also tempting as a nighttime perch. Chickens poo the most while they’re roosting, so if they decide to sleep in the nest boxes, you’ll end up with messy eggs.
In my experience, the main culprits are:
- Not enough nest boxes: You’ll want about one box for every three hens. Crowded hens stay put longer, which leads to mess.
- Wrong location: Hens prefer darker, calmer corners. Nest boxes in quiet spots get used properly.
- Not collecting eggs often enough: When eggs pile up, hens may decide to sit tight and go broody. And once a hen goes broody, the nest box turns messy fast. 🐓
1: Provide Proper Roosts 🪵
Chickens need a higher, more comfortable spot to sleep. Install sturdy roosting bars above the nest boxes. Give each bird at least 8 to 10 inches of space. Flat wooden bars or dowels, about 2 inches wide, are ideal for their feet. If your roost is too low or cramped, your flock will head for the boxes instead.
2: Block Access at Night 🌙
If you have stubborn sleepers, close the nest boxes at dusk. A hinged cover, burlap curtain, or piece of plywood works fine. Open them again after sunrise, and your hens will get the hint.
3: Make Nest Boxes Less Appealing for Sleeping 😴
Add slanted tops to keep birds from lounging on top, and keep bedding soft and fresh. Boxes that are too big or flat often become bunk beds. A snug 12×12×12-inch space is ideal—plenty of room for laying, but not enough for a sleepover.
4: Keep Things Clean 🧹
Stay ahead of the mess. Scoop out dirty bedding daily and replace it often. Fresh herbs or clean shavings make the boxes smell inviting for eggs only. Dry bedding is best—never let it stay damp or packed. If you have broody hens, refresh even more often.
5: Add Distractions 🛝
Sometimes hens need redirection. Provide dust-bathing spots, extra perches, or even a hanging cabbage. Busy hens won’t see the nest boxes as their playground.
6: Don’t Let Hens Go Broody 🐥
A broody hen often claims a nest box, settles in, and makes a mess while she’s at it. Broody mammas = messy eggs. If you’re not raising chicks, break broodiness early.
- Collect eggs regularly; leaving them to pile up invites broodiness.
- Create a “broody break” pen or shady separation spot if needed.
- Choose breeds less prone to broodiness if clean eggs are your priority.
Quick Fix Checklist ✅
- 🪵 Give your flock sturdy roosts set higher than the nest boxes
- 🚪 Close off nest boxes at night to train stubborn sleepers
- 😴 Design nest boxes so they’re snug and less tempting for naps
- 🧹 Refresh bedding often to keep the boxes clean and welcoming for eggs
- 🎲 Offer fun extras like dust baths or hanging treats to keep hens busy
- 🥚 Gather eggs daily so hens don’t settle in and go broody
Find More Chicken-Keeping Tips 🐓
🐔 Visit the Homestead Animals section for practical, cozy guides to happy hens and cleaner chores.
🛒 Get all the essential chicken keeping tools I love on Amazon (affiliate link).
What’s Next? 🔜
Now that your nest boxes are poo-free and your hens are less tempted to go broody, you’re ready for the next chicken-keeping challenge: winterizing the chicken coop.
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