How to Stop Chickens from Pooping in Nesting Boxes? – Homestead Gardener

Home-raised chickens eggs stay fresh for longer time when you don’t wash them. But who wants to store an egg covered with dirt? Worse part is refrigerating them.

Not just dirty eggs, chickens pooping in their nesting boxes results in potential health issues and you’ve got to do extra cleaning chores.

Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can discourage chickens from pooping in nesting boxes and maintain a clean, hygienic environment for your flock.

Collect eggs at least once or twice a day to minimize the chances of dirt build-up or broken shells.

If an egg does get a little dirty, use a dry cloth or gentle brush to wipe it clean instead of washing. This way, the natural protective bloom stays intact, and your eggs can stay fresh longer without refrigeration.

Why Do Chickens Poop in Nesting Boxes?

Understanding why chickens poop in nesting boxes is the first step toward solving the problem.

Chickens don’t naturally intend to soil their laying areas, but certain conditions or habits can lead to this behaviour.

Let’s examine the most common causes:

Sleeping in Nesting Boxes

Chickens typically produce the majority of their droppings at night while roosting.

If they choose to sleep in nesting boxes instead of roosts, the boxes become their night-time bathroom.

This is especially common among younger pullets who haven’t yet learned proper roosting habits or in flocks where dominant birds monopolize the roosts, forcing subordinate hens to seek alternative sleeping spots.

Lack of Adequate Roosting Space

Insufficient or poorly designed roosts can make chickens uncomfortable to perch, pushing them toward the cozy confines of nesting boxes. Roosts that are too narrow, too high, or too close together can discourage proper use.

Overcrowded or Dirty Coop

A cramped or unclean coop can lead chickens to seek out nesting boxes as a “cleaner” alternative to soiled roosts or flooring. Overcrowding exacerbates this issue, as chickens compete for space.

Inadequate Lighting or Timing

Chickens need a balance of light and dark to regulate their laying and sleeping cycles. If the coop is too bright at night, chickens may stay active and use nesting boxes for lounging or sleeping, increasing the chance of droppings.

Must read: What Should Be Inside a Chicken Coop?

Young or Untrained Chickens

Pullets new to laying may not yet understand that nesting boxes are for egg-laying only. They might treat the boxes as a general-purpose area for resting or socializing.

Health Issues or Stress

Occasionally, health problems or stress (from predators, extreme weather, or flock bullying) can cause chickens to behave abnormally, including pooping in nesting boxes.

By identifying the root cause in your flock, you can tailor your approach to address the issue effectively.

Below, we’ll dive into actionable solutions to prevent chickens from pooping in nesting boxes.

Also Read: How to Treat Bumblefoot in Chickens Naturally?

How to Stop Chickens from Pooping in Nesting Boxes?

To keep nesting boxes clean, you’ll need a combination of coop management, behavioural training, and environmental adjustments. Here are detailed strategies to implement:

1. Encourage Proper Roosting Behavior

Since most droppings occur at night, ensuring chickens sleep on roosts rather than in nesting boxes is critical. Here’s how to promote proper roosting:

• Provide Adequate Roost Space
  Each chicken needs about 8–12 inches of roost space, depending on the breed. For a flock of 10 chickens, provide at least 80–120 inches of total roost length. Use sturdy, rounded perches (1.5–2 inches in diameter) to ensure comfort. Avoid flat boards, as they’re less appealing for gripping.
• Position Roosts Correctly
  Place roosts higher than nesting boxes, as chickens instinctively seek the highest perch to sleep. A roost height of 2–4 feet off the ground is ideal, with a slight angle or ladder-style setup for easy access. Ensure roosts are stable and free from sharp edges.
• Block Nesting Boxes at Night
  Physically prevent chickens from accessing nesting boxes after dusk. Use a removable board, curtain, or sliding panel to cover the boxes in the evening, reopening them in the morning. This trains chickens to sleep on roosts and reserves nesting boxes for laying.
• Manually Move Chickens
  For persistent offenders, check the coop after dark and gently move any chickens sleeping in nesting boxes to the roosts. Repeat this for a few nights to reinforce the habit. Be calm and quiet to avoid stressing the flock.

2. Optimize Nesting Box Design and Placement

The design and placement of nesting boxes can influence whether chickens misuse them. Consider these adjustments:

• Maintain the Right Number of Boxes
  Provide one nesting box for every 4–5 hens. For a flock of 20 chickens, 4–5 boxes are sufficient. Too many boxes can encourage lounging, while too few can lead to competition and stress.
• Ensure Proper Box Size
  Nesting boxes should be cozy but not overly spacious. A standard size is 12x12x12 inches for medium breeds, slightly larger for bigger breeds like Orpingtons. Boxes that are too large may invite multiple hens to crowd in, increasing the likelihood of droppings.
• Add Comfortable Bedding
  Use soft, clean bedding like straw, wood shavings, or hemp to make nesting boxes inviting for laying but less appealing for sleeping. Avoid materials like sand, which can feel too firm. Change bedding regularly to keep boxes hygienic.
• Place Boxes in a Quiet, Dark Area
  Position nesting boxes in a low-traffic, dimly lit corner of the coop to encourage laying and discourage lounging. If boxes are near windows or bright lights, chickens may use them as a resting spot.
• Install Slanted Roofs
  Add a slanted roof or board above nesting boxes to prevent chickens from perching on top, which can lead to droppings falling into the boxes below. A 45-degree angle works well to deter perching.

Check this: How to Introduce New Chickens to a Flock?

3. Maintain a Clean and Spacious Coop

A clean, well-maintained coop reduces the likelihood of chickens seeking out nesting boxes as an alternative space. Follow these tips:

• Clean the Coop Regularly
  Remove droppings, soiled bedding, and debris from the coop floor and roosts at least weekly. A deep litter system can help manage waste, but ensure it’s turned and refreshed periodically to prevent ammonia buildup.
• Provide Enough Space
  Each chicken needs 3–4 square feet of indoor coop space and 8–10 square feet in an outdoor run. Overcrowding can push chickens into nesting boxes for refuge. For a flock of 10, aim for a 30–40 square foot coop and an 80–100 square foot run.
• Use Dropping Boards
  Install removable dropping boards or trays beneath roosts to catch nighttime droppings. Scrape them daily to keep the coop floor clean, reducing the temptation for chickens to seek cleaner nesting boxes.

4. Train Young or New Chickens

Pullet or new flock members may need guidance to use nesting boxes correctly. Here’s how to train them:

• Introduce Fake Eggs
  Place ceramic or wooden eggs in nesting boxes to signal that they’re for laying. This encourages hens to use the boxes for their intended purpose rather than as a sleeping or lounging spot.
• Limit Access During Non-Laying Hours
  If young hens are loafing in nesting boxes during the day, gently shoo them out or temporarily block access until they’re ready to lay. This reinforces that boxes are for egg-laying only.
• Observe and Redirect
  Spend time watching your flock to identify which hens are misusing nesting boxes. Redirect their behavior by encouraging them to explore the run or engage in dust bathing during non-laying hours.

5. Manage Light and Environmental Factors

Lighting and environmental conditions play a role in chicken behavior. Make these adjustments:

• Control Coop Lighting
  Provide 14–16 hours of light daily for optimal laying, but ensure the coop is dark at night. Use a timer to regulate artificial lighting, and cover windows or use blackout curtains to prevent excess light that might keep chickens active in nesting boxes.
• Improve Ventilation
  Poor air quality can stress chickens, leading to abnormal behavior. Ensure the coop has adequate ventilation (e.g., vents or windows) without drafts to keep the environment comfortable.
• Minimize Stress
  Reduce stressors like predator threats, extreme temperatures, or flock bullying. Secure the coop against predators, provide shade and water in hot weather, and introduce new chickens gradually to prevent aggression.

6. Monitor Flock Health

If the above strategies don’t resolve the issue, consider health-related causes:

• Check for Parasites or Illness
  Mites, lice, or internal parasites can cause discomfort, leading chickens to avoid roosts. Inspect your flock and coop for signs of pests, and consult a veterinarian if you suspect illness.
• Address Bullying or Pecking Order Issues
  Dominant hens may force subordinate ones into nesting boxes. Provide multiple feed and water stations, add hiding spots in the run, and consider separating aggressive birds temporarily.

Troubleshooting Persistent Problems

If chickens continue to poop in nesting boxes despite your efforts, try these advanced tactics:

• Roll-away boxes have a slanted floor that allows eggs to roll into a separate compartment, keeping them clean even if droppings occur. These boxes also discourage lingering, as the slanted surface is less comfortable for sleeping.
• Temporarily place mildly unpleasant (but safe) objects in nesting boxes, like a spiky mat or crumpled aluminum foil, to discourage chickens from entering except to lay. Remove deterrents once the habit is broken.
• Spend a day observing your flock to pinpoint specific culprits or triggers. Video cameras can help monitor nighttime behavior if you can’t be present.

Conclusion

Preventing chickens from pooping in nesting boxes requires a mix of coop design, flock management, and behavioural training.

By providing comfortable roosts, optimizing nesting box placement, maintaining a clean coop, and addressing health or stress issues, you can create an environment where chickens lay eggs in clean, poop-free boxes.

Consistency is key—implement these strategies patiently, and soon you’ll enjoy cleaner eggs and a healthier flock.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting