Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Hollykins24]

Hi All, I have two Speckled Maran hens called Gill and Linda about 8 months old. They have been laying well and get out for about 6-9 hours free-ranging activity most days. They're lively, inquisitive and eating well but for some reason they have stopped using their perch to roost at night instead preferring to snuggle down together in their easychick bedding filled nesting box! I've treated their coop for red mite although I've seen no evidence of these wee beasties anywhere. Can anyone suggest what I should do next? I'd be grateful for any advice as I'm pretty new to hen keeping and don't know if it's something I'm doing wrong. Many thanks in advance, Patricia

[redsunset]

With my lot, the nestboxes are the most coveted spots! I leave them to it. I guess they like the warmth and hens like to snuggle at night.

[Hollykins24]

Many thanks for the quick reply, it's reassuring to know that this is ok as all the books seem to stress the importance of the perch and I made sure it was the right width(with chamfered edges) and positioned above the nest box! Looks like I was being too particular and the girls have voted with their feet so to speak!

[mullethunter]

My Pekins have a perch but have never used it at night - they snuggle together in the Easichick bedding too.

[Grandmashazzie]

Yep few of mine like snuggling in together.The rest seem to prefer to roost outside on a little stand my OH made.I just let them decide for themselves.

[jackian]

A couple of mine have never been on a perch and snuggle up on the floor of the coup .

[Hollykins24]

It's good to know that there are so many non perching hens out there! I've just returned from the girls coop after 'fluffing up' their bedding so they'll have extra comfy conditions for tonight!

[mullethunter]

I do that - I'm so under the thumb / claw / beak!