Is it time to open up the nest boxes?

[Chemguy]

Hello! I've a small flock of BR and BO (4 each), and they're 14 weeks old. They've started developing wattles and combs, which seem to get redder every day. Whe I built their coop, I sealed off access to the nest boxes to prevent pooping, etc. It will be easy to 'unveil' the boxes. Given the signs I am seeing and the age of the chickens, is it time to start thinking about opening access? No squats or songs so far. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[cathyb68]

I am new to chickens too. I would do it sooner rather than later. I wanted to build the nest boxes when we built the coop, my husband didn't. We just put their boxes in a few weeks ago and it kind of freaked them out. Better to do it now and let them get used to them.

 

[fshinggrl]

My chickens have always had access to the egg boxes. They generally do not stay in there and when the time was getting closer I put in hay... but it still took 2 more months to lay. 14 weeks is still pretty early if you are sure of their age.

 

[Fred's Hens]

14 weeks is likely a month early. Very, very few breeds lay before 19 weeks. The chances of learning a bad habit of sleeping in the boxes, with the attendant poop, is not too exciting to contemplate. Too soon.