New Hyline browns

[Mclarenflatchooks]

Hi everyone!

We have 6 Hyline browns which were apparently at point of lay when we got them. We've had them coming up 4 weeks now and they are yet to lay. I spoke to the fella we got them from and their ages are give or take so they should hopefully start laying soon. I just wanted to check that its not something we are or are not doing? They seem a lot more comfortable and confident now in their new home, they go back into their coup at night and have free run of the back yard during the days. Constant supply of food (which they spill everywhere, will need to make a new feeder that prevents so much wastage!) and water, and plenty of perching room with a comfy looking nesting box. We are feeding them mixed grains and seeds rather than the pellets. I think we have done and provided them with everything they need.

I do believe one of the girls is sleeping in the nesting box at night as i keep finding poop in there in the mornings. From a few posts Ive read I don't think this is a good habit for them to get into? is that correct?
If so, any advice on the best way to prevent this? Is it as easy as blocking off the nesting box at night or maybe lifting her out after dark and placing her on the perch with the rest of the girls.

Anyway, any general advice on anything I'm missing out on would be greatly appreciated as we are new to chooks and would hate for them to be missing out on something vital.

Thanks again

 

[aart]

From a few posts Ive read I don't think this is a good habit for them to get into? is that correct?
If so, any advice on the best way to prevent this? Is it as easy as blocking off the nesting box at night or maybe lifting her out after dark and placing her on the perch with the rest of the girls.

Yep.
Make sure roosts are higher than nests and have ~12" of length per bird.
Either blocking nests before roost time(I open back up when I lock up after dark)
or moving birds after full dark will work, could take few days or a few weeks.
Pics of your coop interior might help us help you.

Here's some tips on how to tell.....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Oh, and .....Welcome to BYC! @Mclarenflatchooks
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!