When to set up nesting boxes?

[LaketownChick]

When should I put straw in the nesting boxes? My pullets are 8-10 weeks old now. Also, is straw the best thing to put in their nesting boxes?

TIA!

 

[PrettyChickens15]

Chickens lay at about 6 months depending on the breed. Straw works fine, but I tend to use fine wood shavings or medium wood shavings. Go ahead and put some bedding in them. It can help motivate your gals to lay if you put a golf ball in some of the boxes.
A good rule to go by is 3-4 hens per nesting box.

 

[LaketownChick]

Chickens lay at about 6 months depending on the breed. Straw works fine, but I tend to use fine wood shavings or medium wood shavings. Go ahead and put some bedding in them. It can help motivate your gals to lay if you put a golf ball in some of the boxes.
A good rule to go by is 3-4 hens per nesting box.

Oh I didn’t know you could use wood shavings in the nesting boxes. I have 8 nesting boxes and 17 ladies so plenty of boxes. I have some straw and we were going to create a lip berrior on the floor with a 2x4 to separate the coop from the nesting boxes. Hopefully keeping them cleaner than the rest of the coop.

 

[PrettyChickens15]

Oh, I'm so sorry!! I meant to say PINE shavings!
Adding the 2x4 will also help with the hens kicking out the nesting box bedding.

 

[chickens really]

I introduce nest boxes when Pullets are around 14 weeks old..They begin to investigate them and pretend to lay..
I use pine shavings and straw..
If they begin to sleep in them at night I block them off with
Milk jugs filled with water...

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

little cuties!!!