Chicken insisting on laying in nesting box already occupied

[rosemarythyme]

How do you know when they are ready to start laying?
My girls are about 9-10 weeks old so I know I have a few more weeks but we have the nesting box closed so they wouldn’t get used to sleeping in there. When should I open it up?

When they begin to squat and/or when combs start getting big and obviously red.

 

[Melissacoop]

When they begin to squat and/or when combs start getting big and obviously red.

 

[Melissacoop]

They’re starting to get big and red!

 

[rosemarythyme]

They’re starting to get big and red!

That bird is either older than 9 or 10 weeks (like 16+) or a male. Mine are 13 weeks and there's still minimal comb development and color.

 

[Melissacoop]

Oh no Rosemary! How do I know if it’s a male?! He doesn’t make any more noise than the others!!

 

[Melissacoop]

So I got them July 1. (9weeks ago) and they were supposedly 5 days old.

 

[Melissacoop]

Here’s the others. Combs aren’t as big?!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Post additional photos, especially from the side, either on this thread or start a new one here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/what-breed-or-gender-is-this.15/

The reason I'm thinking male is: 1) way too much comb for 10 weeks 2) three distinct rows of peas in a pea comb is often an indicator and 3) I think those are dark red patches on the wings, which is a male trait, but hard to be sure from this angle.

 

[Melissacoop]

You have me freaking out now! I will cry if I have to get rid of any of them!
Here’s a side shot!
Thank you for your help. It is the biggest one!

 

[jolenesdad]

I was gonna say same thing the one with a red comb looks for sure to be a cockerel. Post in the “what breed or gender” forum to be sure.