SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/chick-roost-above-nest-boxes

Where should roosts sit compared with nest boxes?

Place roosts higher than nest boxes so hens do not sleep in nests.

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  1. Inside nest boxes
  2. Higher than nest boxes ✔
  3. Lower than nest boxes

Why: Hens roost on the highest spot in the coop. If nest boxes are higher than the roosts, hens may sleep in them and leave droppings there.

Huh, didn't know that: Maryland Extension warns that nest boxes become very dirty if hens roost in them.

The dad joke
Why did the hen move off the nest? She wanted a room with a higher view.
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References

Answer: Higher than nest boxes. Hens roost on the highest spot in the coop. If nest boxes are higher than the roosts, hens may sleep in them and leave droppings there.

  1. University of Maryland Extension: Housing Requirements extension.umd.edu/resource/housing-requirements
    Keep roosts higher than the nesting boxes. Hens will roost on the highest point in the house.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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