Do the hens put their nests together?

[TinmanJones]

This afternoon I get my first ever 3 chickens.
They're full grown & laying, moving from one farm to my farm.
Their tractor & coop is ready for them.
I've bought & put nest pads down in the nests. I've placed hay in the floor area of the coop.
Should I put more bedding (hay) in the nests, or just let the hens take care of putting their own nests together, like normal birds do?
Thanks for any help.

 

[Poultrybreeder]

Hens will generally build their own nests when supplies are available. Congratulations on your first chickens! Have a great day and God Bless! .

 

[RodNTN]

Hello there! And It is wonderful to have you here with us! As @Poultrybreeder said, the hens will "build" their own nests Best wishes!

 

[lazy gardener]

No, your hens will not transport that hay to the nest boxes. You will need to give each box a nice deep layer of hay. They will then go into the nest box, and shuffle around to scoop the hay into a "bowl" shape to their liking. Every now and then, you will need to add more hay.

 

[SueT]

Welcome to BYC.....
I always put the hay in the nests, as well as fake eggs so they know where to lay.

 

[chickens really]

Do you have nest boxes?......Only Broody Hens will nest...Meaning build one for eggs and pluck feathers from her chest to line it...Layers need help ....

 

[TinmanJones]

Yes. Boxes. Well, crates to be exact.
I'm going to add more material & let them sort it to their liking when they get ready to lay.
Thanks y'all

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!
Keep in mind that a move is stressful and they may not lay after the first day or two.

Sourland said it well so I quoted his post from another thread.

.... The eggs laid on days 1 and 2 were already in development in the reproductive tract. They may not resume laying until spring, or since they are young birds they will hopefully start sooner.

 

[TinmanJones]

Thanks guys & gals.
My wife & I are coming into this with low expectations.
With the stress of the move, cooler temps, & shorter days, I'm really not expecting much from my new hens.
At this point, my goal is to just keep them alive.
Hopefully by spring they'll be warmed up to us & their new home.

They've been in their new coop now since 3:00 yesterday afternoon.
I opened to pop door to their run at day break this morning. They're still in the coop at 9am.
We aren't home & they have no pressure on them. So I figure they'll come out when they're ready.

Hoping they get hungry enough today to atleast come out of the coop & into the run where their food & water is.

Again, thanks for all the posts.

 

[aart]

Hoping they get hungry enough today to atleast come out of the coop & into the run where their food & water is.

Was the feed and water in the coop when you first got them?
If not, they may not recognize it to come out and get sustenance.