Yup, not using right words, so it's hard to know exactly what you mean. But here's some facts:
Chickens like to roost on the highest place they can reach. If the roosts they are on are higher than where you want them, you might need to lower the roosts.
By box, I think you mean coop? If so, and it is hot, they may not want to be in there. Also, if you have not put them in and kept them in there, they will not recognize it as "home" or a "safe place". If it is hot during the day, it's probably best they aren't locked in. But that won't make your life easier for a while...
I don't have pine trees so can't speak to needles. I use pine shavings in my nest boxes because it's what's available here.
Your birds aren't laying yet, but do you have nest boxes inside the coop? If so, you want to make sure they do not sleep in them, if they deign to use the coop at night. Very bad habit resulting in dirty boxes and dirty eggs, hard to break. Might want to close off the boxes until they do start to lay.
To prevent sleeping in boxes once laying, make sure the roosts are higher than the boxes.
Sweet! That's a lot of information as always, thanks!
Yes, I guess I'm talking about the coop. Their nesting boxes are low, and they do sit on the highest rung in there.
For clarification: the place where they sleep is the "coop" and the place where they play, eat, and do chicken things is the "run," right? What is the entire structure called as a whole?
Yes, coop is the house they live in, run is the enclosure they go outside in. As far as an all encompassing name for both, it's just not coming to me that there is one.....
As for nesting boxes, we've got three in there I believe. One egg crate and one double box with access from outside. There's room inside for a couple more egg crates too. Should they be in the coop, or should I have some outside as well?
For 3 birds, I box is enough. LOL You will find they all have a favorite (usually the one most secluded) and only use that one. It doesn't matter if it's inside or outside, but you do want them to use it to save on Easter egg hunts daily. I wouldn't put it outside at first, then plan to move it later. It should be where you want them to lay. But until they start laying, I'd limit access to prevent them sleeping in them....
I need some more birds actually. May go pick a few up this weekend. We're actually at one pullet and three roosters. Guess we're over prepared in the nesting department at the moment lol