nesting boxes

[backinthecoop45]

Hi.
Well we took out the nesting boxes for a while as suggested until they get the hang of roosting.
Now that the pullets are roosting, when should we put them back in & how will we know when they are ready to start laying?

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Their combs, wattles, and sometimes faces will get very red when they are close to laying. Some get very grumpy too. If they are roosting, it shouldn't be a problem to put them in now. Some start laying around 18 weeks, but that's considered early. Interest in the nest boxes is one of clues that they are getting close, too. I had to block of the nest boxes, which worked fine since they are not removable.

 

[backinthecoop45]

Hi. Thank you for the reply. That was fast! I guess I'll wait a while longer to put them back in then. They are about 12 weeks now but I'm guessing there's no hurry. They probably won't start laying for another 4 months I suppose. Boy they grow fast!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Hi. Thank you for the reply. That was fast!

I guess I'll wait a while longer to put them back in then. They are about 12 weeks now but I'm guessing there's no hurry. They probably won't start laying for another 4 months I suppose. Boy they grow fast!

You're welcome! I would put the boxes back in by 15-16 weeks. They will need time to get used to them. Highly suspicious of new things they are, and you don't want to cause stress around the time they start to lay. The hormones are stressful enough!