Nest box question - when do I get it ready?

[PeepsAreForMe]

My girls are turning 17 weeks on Sunday. I have their nest boxes blocked off because naturally they wanted to sleep in them! Do I wait until I find an egg somewhere to uncover them and put some bedding in?

 

[fried green eggs]

I open mine up before they start laying and add bedding & fake eggs so they learn not to peck eggs and where to lay. Good Luck.

 

[PeepsAreForMe]

So they won't sleep in them if there are fake eggs in there?

 

[7L Farm]

Make sure your roost is higher than the nest boxes. I just added my boxes to my coop at 13 weeks. I added pine shavings along with a few fake eggs & told them OK girls here's where the eggs go. They usually check them out some before they start laying. I go out & make sure no ones sleeping in them. So far all have been on the roost every night thus far. If I catch one sleeping in them I just move her to the roost. I've never had a problem with them sleeping in their nest boxes. Knock on wood.

 

[lexibird1]

Chickens usually begin laying eggs in about 6 months. Before 24 weeks old you should start your nesting box, they can get used to it and maybe even lay eggs a little earlier than usual! Hope this helps!

 

[PeepsAreForMe]

Thanks, as usual you are all helpful! In the coop they are in now, the next box is level with the bottom of the floor of the coop. The roost is only 2" higher than the floor. One of the many reasons we are building a bigger and better coop! But it won't be done for a few weeks. I guess in another week I'll keep a closer eye on them. Thanks all!