Nesting boxes

[MrLeeHo]

I have read a good bit on tendencies of where hens want to lay and using fake eggs etc in order to encourage using the boxes. I guess i have a more basic question...i have 4 pullets i expect to start laying around october. At what point prior to that shiuld i be setting up the nesting boxes with bedding and possibly fake eggs? Currently i have them blocked off with wire bc i read that you dont want to encourage them to sleep in the boxes to avoid poopy eggs.
Thanks

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Hi! I watched my girls for clues to when they were going to start laying. When the first one started having a bit of comb/wattle growth and reddening of face, comb, and wattles I set up (unblocked) their nesting boxes. If you watch and listen for clues, they'll give you clues. You can also check pelvic spacing as they get older and closer to point of lay. (really good articles here explaining the how's and why's for pelvic spacing. I'll try to find it for you as it's been the only thing that helped me do it properly and efficiently. What breeds do you have? Of course each bird will begin laying as they're ready, so just keep an eye out. Wishing you all the best with your flock

 

[MrLeeHo]

Hi! I watched my girls for clues to when they were going to start laying. When the first one started having a bit of comb/wattle growth and reddening of face, comb, and wattles I set up (unblocked) their nesting boxes. If you watch and listen for clues, they'll give you clues. You can also check pelvic spacing as they get older and closer to point of lay. (really good articles here explaining the how's and why's for pelvic spacing. I'll try to find it for you as it's been the only thing that helped me do it properly and efficiently. What breeds do you have? Of course each bird will begin laying as they're ready, so just keep an eye out. Wishing you all the best with your flock

I have 2 ee/eemixes and 2 of what was called black asians from tsc. The black asians are a bit younger and havent been introduced yet and ive read many posts on here ab not getting what u pay for from tsc so im not really sure ab those 2. Thanks for the help.

 

[aart]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[HeatherKellyB]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Thank you for linking. This is the exact article I was looking for! Thank you for writing such an amazingly helpful article! We're so lucky to be in the presence of so many knowledgeable folks. I sincerely appreciate you and many others that always help out and share such priceless knowledge.