Do I put hay in nesting boxes when I move girls to coop?

[BethieofVA]

They are five weeks now, so out to the coop for good in a few weeks. My question, do I put hay in the boxes now or wait closer to time for them to start laying eggs?

 

[Cindiloohoo]

I would wait a couple months.

 

[slightlyscrambled]

I would wait a little while. If they try to sleep in nest boxes atleast you dont have to replace the hay when they start laying.

 

[ranchhand]

I do it when I think they're getting towards laying, which for me has been anywhere from 16 to 30 weeks. Just wait for the hens to start getting redder faces, combs and/or wattles. I use wood shavings.

 

[svalentine]

Are nesting boxes essential?