Nest Boxes...Now or Later?

[msnancycan]

Here in Kentucky, it's FINALLY getting warm enough that my girls can live outside in their coop. They are 6 weeks old. (I had NO idea they'd grow so fast, they don't stay chicks for long...just like parenting children I guess, they always grow up too fast!) This may seem like a silly question but remember I'm new at this...can I put the nest boxes in the coop now or should I wait until they start to lay eggs towards the fall? I've heard of them getting broody so I just wondered if this is anything I have to worry about, even when they are young. Thanks!!

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

You could hold off for a few more weeks, but it is up to you. They likely won't lay eggs in them until at least another 10 weeks. But you need to be sure that they don't sleep in the nest boxes, because when they sleep, they poop. And you don't want all that poop on your eggs.

 

[RonC]

Wait till they are about 4 months old before putting the nest boxes in. No use starting a bad habit if it can be avoided.