nesting box roost

[chickensk]

When do hens lay their first eggs? I want to design a nest box with roost that is propped up before the hens settle down for the evening. What time in the morning would it have to be brought down for hen access?

 

[Steven Bussell]

Could you add your nesting boxes on the outside. Are you doing this because of room available inside.
When chickens start to lay is more of a average age . So anywhere from around 16-21 weeks.
Are are you asking about what time in the morning they laid. Again it's just a average time.

 

[Chef JimmyJ]

If your birds are all the same age and you build your Roost higher than the nest boxes, they should not even be interested in getting in, except to Lay. No need to open and close the nest boxes. If the birds are too young still, a piece of Cardboard will keep them out until they start Laying...JJ

 

[Chickassan]

You can't time egg laying, some hens will get up at 4am because to chicken eyes the sun is coming up.
You will also have last minute layers that will park in a box and shoot one out overnight.
Your idea sounds cool, but if there is one thing iv'e learned.
Chickens hate cool ideas.

 

[aart]

When do hens lay their first eggs?
I want to design a nest box with roost that is propped up before the hens settle down for the evening.
What time in the morning would it have to be brought down for hen access?

18-28 weeks is the average onset of lay for most breeds.

I want to design a nest box with roost that is propped up before the hens settle down for the evening.
What time in the morning would it have to be brought down for hen access?

This makes no sense to me, you want to move the nests to where the chickens cannot access them at night? If you're worried the birds will sleep in the nests at night, there are easier options.
Please post pics of your coop, inside and out for viable suggestions/solutions.

 

[aart]

Oh, and..... Welcome to BYC! @chickensk
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[chickensk]

Could you add your nesting boxes on the outside. Are you doing this because of room available inside.
When chickens start to lay is more of a average age . So anywhere from around 16-21 weeks.
Are are you asking about what time in the morning they laid. Again it's just a average time.

Unfortunately it is not possible to mount nest boxes on outside of henhouse. Would you say average time is between 4 am and 4 pm?

 

[chickensk]

18-28 weeks is the average onset of lay for most breeds.


This makes no sense to me, you want to move the nests to where the chickens cannot access them at night? If you're worried the birds will sleep in the nests at night, there are easier options.
Please post pics of your coop, inside and out for viable suggestions/solutions.

No, I don't want to move the nests at night. It is simply a roll a way nest box with a single access roost in front, on hinges to go up and down, allowing hen access to nesting box.

 

[aart]

No, I don't want to move the nests at night. It is simply a roll a way nest box with a single access roost in front, on hinges to go up and down, allowing hen access to nesting box.

Oh ok, you want to block access to nests at night so they wont sleep in them??
I have seen metal nesting banks with hinged perches in front that flip up to block nest entrance.

I rigged a DIY nest block. I close them about an hour before roosting time, then open back up when I lock up after dark(so I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to open them back up..or even earlier when using supplemental lighting).
Handy for when I have chicks or a broody hen.

 

[Chickassan]

That is the most utilised window of time, yes.
But if you design your roost and boxes this way you're still going to have the odd hen who isn't going to make the time window and you'll get an egg in the floor.

Unfortunately it is not possible to mount nest boxes on outside of henhouse. Would you say average time is between 4 am and 4 pm?