Just moved 8 wk old hens to their new coop...do I let them in their new nesting boxes right away???

xraygirl2007

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I was told to not let them in their new nesting boxes right away because they will poop & mess them up & not want to lay eggs in them when they are really ready to use them for laying. I was told to keep them out until they start laying eggs on the floor & then unblock the boxes & put wooded eggs or golf balls in them to teach them to start laying eggs in them. We just moved the girls out there last night. HELP!! I don't want to deny them of their nesting boxes if I was told wrong!! And when should I expect them to start producing eggs???
 
That information is pretty spot on. Block the nesting boxes if you can, until your pullets are around 20 weeks old. This way, they won't develope the bad habit of sleeping (and pooping) in their nesting boxes.

If you notice that your hen's combs and wattles start looking redder, or if they squat hard when you reach out to pet them, then you can uncover the nesting boxes earlier.

They will become very interested in the nesting boxes, and then begin to use them when they first begin laying.

Chickens normally like to roost while sleeping, unless they've developed the bad habit of sleeping in the nesting boxes. (Trust me, you don't want poopy eggs.) It's just a dirty habit.
 
THANKS SO MUCH for the great info!! I am so excited about raising my own chickens & I don't want to mess it up!!
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