nesting boxes

[mtinney]

My 6 golden comets are 7 weeks old and have moved out to their coop and run. The coop has two nesting boxes. I blocked off the nesting boxes thinking they don't need them now and they will just dirty them. Plus they need to learn how to roost. Am I doing the right thing or should I let them have access to the nesting boxes now?

 

[azelgin]

You're doing the right thing. Its very hard to stop them from roosting in the nest boxes, once they get started. It's the biggest hassle I have, when adding new pullets to my older flock. I can't block off the nest, or my other hens will lay on the coop floor. I have to go out after dark and toss the youngsters out of the nests. It upsets them and me.

 

[mtinney]

Thank you for giving me confidence in what I am doing. I read in another article that I should open up the next boxes when they are 17 weeks old. In the meantime they can learn how to roost.