New Jersey Giants sleeping in nesting box

[BigBlueHen53]

Yeah, she did die in the coop. She was 11 years old, so died of old age, no predator or anything like that. Maybe I'll change things around a bit so it looks different?

Changing out the bedding can also help. Chickens are sensitive to scent. I had to deal with a couple of snakes in my coop earlier this year and the hens abandoned their favorite nests until I thoroughly cleaned them and changed out the bedding; I'm convinced it was because of the scent of the snakes. Good luck!

 

[azygous]

Chickens are sensitive to the death of a chicken, and it's usually the death throes (wing flapping) that scares them. What I do is to block off where I do not want them sleeping and then I physically place them on their perches for a few nights to reassure them it's safe. This may indeed be the problem. Your giants just need to feel reassured they will be safe.

 

[Monika S]

Chickens are sensitive to the death of a chicken, and it's usually the death throes (wing flapping) that scares them. What I do is to block off where I do not want them sleeping and then I physically place them on their perches for a few nights to reassure them it's safe. This may indeed be the problem. Your giants just need to feel reassured they will be safe.

I have done that over and over and they just keep going back to the nesting box. I cleaned the coop a couple time since Maggie passed and I might just have to close the nesting box off for a while since they're not laying anyway. Thanks

 

[Monika S]

Changing out the bedding can also help. Chickens are sensitive to scent. I had to deal with a couple of snakes in my coop earlier this year and the hens abandoned their favorite nests until I thoroughly cleaned them and changed out the bedding; I'm convinced it was because of the scent of the snakes. Good luck!

I did change the bedding a couple of times since Maggie passed. I will have to do it again and maybe spray the walls and floors. I might add another roost a little higher as well, though I think they're not supposed to be very high for Jersey Giants cause they're so heavy. Might have to be creative and make a ramp to the roost...lol. Thanks!

 

[aart]

I have done that over and over and they just keep going back to the nesting box.

Block the nests off so they can't get in there.
If they are still laying, block them off an hour before roosting time, then uncover when you lock up after dark.

 

[azygous]

Understand that chickens are rigid followers of their habits. To break a bad habit and replace it with a desirable one, you must block them from pursuing the bad habit, and show them by repetition the new habit you want them to adopt. It really is that simple.