Litterbox training

[Star and eclipsa]

Does anyone have any tips on litterbox training my chickens? My grandma will make them go outside if they keep pooping everywhere.

 

[RodNTN]

I've read about a couple of people who litter box trained their chickens, but it is very difficult. No matter what I try and do, chickens just naturally go when they have to go. And more than likely aren't going to go looking for their "toilet" when they have to go. They just go.

I know that it is not impossible, and with lots of training, can be done. But again, it isn't easy. Best wishes, and let me know how it comes along!

 

[Star and eclipsa]

Thank you! Do you know anyone who may know about litterbox training?

 

[junebuggena]

Unlike some animals, chickens have no natural instinct to avoid defecating in certain areas. They let it go whenever, and wherever they feel the need to.
It's possible to train them to a litterbox, but just be aware that it's a behavior that goes against their natural instincts, making it very difficult behavior to train.
Keeping them outside may be in your birds' best interests. It's where chickens are designed to be.

 

[Star and eclipsa]

Unlike some animals, chickens have no natural instinct to avoid defecating in certain areas. They let it go whenever, and wherever they feel the need to.
It's possible to train them to a litterbox, but just be aware that it's a behavior that goes against their natural instincts, making it very difficult behavior to train.
Keeping them outside may be in your birds' best interests. It's where chickens are designed to be.

I have them inside at night in a box to sleep and i let them roam around the house in the morning until its warmer (the only rooms i dont let them roam around in are: my bedroom (its dirty), my grandmas bedroom (she claims that she doesnt like them) and the kitchen (i dont want them near the food i eat)) but they are outside usually from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

 

[junebuggena]

Is there a specific reason they aren't outside full time?

 

[Star and eclipsa]

Because i bought them to be pets so they are going to sleep inside like pets are supposed to.

 

[junebuggena]

Then let them out first thing in the morning. Keeping them inside, exposing them to more light than they would naturally get, can mess with their hormone levels. They are designed to be outdoors. You can enjoy them just as much outside, and they will be much happier.

 

[Star and eclipsa]

Ok ill start putting them outside when i wake up, which is usually around nine.

 

[junebuggena]

It's not just about getting them out first thing in the morning. Light exposure in the evenings is also an issue.