At what age is good to present the nest boxs? I have 3 RIR's, 19wks and 3 EE'rs 18wk's. The 3 nest box's are in the hen house but we've kept them covered so they don't use for roosting.
i would introduce them now....maybe uncover during the day..and cover back up at night for a little while...and put some fake eggs in them also...i'm very suprised that so far.....mine have caught on well and are using them...not all mine are laying though...best of luck!
If the birds are already using the roosts at night, they'll most likely keep using them. I have to say, you guys are making this more complicated than it needs to be. Forget covering and uncovering the nests. Forget gradual introduction. Just uncover the nest boxes, put nice fresh straw in them, and forget about it. When they get old enough to start laying eggs, instinct will guide them to those nifty things that look like a good place for a nest. It won't hurt to toss in a few fake eggs, or golf balls, or ping pong balls, but you don't have to. They have good instincts. They'll look for a secluded, semi-enclosed, somewhat padded space to lay eggs in. Most nest boxes fit the bill.
I agree about not making things too difficult. Yesterday, I found my 1st egg laying in the coop floor. I then went into my shop, built a ruddy lookin' nest box and stuck it in the coop. EZPZ. I don't know if the hens will use it, but can't imagine why they wouldn't.
Yea, I don't want this to be complicated either. They are now used to their roost but when we first put the nest boxes in a couple months ago they were all sleeping in them. So he covered them untill they got used to sleeping on roost. Will uncover add straw and fake eggs. They are making funny sounds and squat stiff when I pick them up, I think their hormones are getting active.
