New to this informative site

[15littleladies]

This is our 1st time of raising backyard chicken's. We have 15 hens of various breeds here in Southwestern PA. They are 3 to 4 months old. We are currently dealing with muggy over 90 degree weather. They are in a 15 foot diameter portable pen during the day (made from an old trampoline frame turned upside down and pvc pipes and covered with fencing. Shaded with a huge patio umbrella. A large enclosed dog kennel for shelter. They sleep in a large shed with inside coop, nesting boxes, roosts and an attached 8×8 steel chicken pen. We free range them for about 30 to 60 minutes 2 ×a day while watching them as we have hawks, racoons, foxes, coyotes, cats, etc on our property. We are starting to see combs and waddles redden and yesterday on of the 16 week Bovans Browns started squatting. Should we uncover the nesting boxes? Also trying to figure out how to provide access to the nesting boxes during the day and still allow them into the large pen. We move the big pen to a clean, fresh grassy area everyday.

 

[N F C]

Hello, I would guess it's time to open up the nesting boxes. I've had girls start to lay as early as 17-18 weeks so best to be prepared.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I don’t see an issue with opening the nest boxes now ( assuming they are lower than the roosts). I’ve seen some members construct small, flexible tunnels that allows access to the coop from a separate run - that may work Here are some helpful links:

• Great go-to resource - Articles
• How to start a new thread
• Find other BYC members nearby using the links in my signature, below (turn your phone to landscape to see them).

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal Flock!
Grab a roost & enjoy your time here!

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

Glad you've decided to join! You've come to the right place hope you find what you're looking for ooooooo I hope they lay soon!

 

[Wicked Storm]

Welcome to BYC!! Feel free to ask all the questions you want! Hope all goes well

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[Isaac 0]

Hello, and Welcome to BackYard Chickens! So glad you decided to join! Make yourself at home here.

 

[Eggscaping]

This is our 1st time of raising backyard chicken's. We have 15 hens of various breeds here in Southwestern PA. They are 3 to 4 months old. We are currently dealing with muggy over 90 degree weather. They are in a 15 foot diameter portable pen during the day (made from an old trampoline frame turned upside down and pvc pipes and covered with fencing. Shaded with a huge patio umbrella. A large enclosed dog kennel for shelter. They sleep in a large shed with inside coop, nesting boxes, roosts and an attached 8×8 steel chicken pen. We free range them for about 30 to 60 minutes 2 ×a day while watching them as we have hawks, racoons, foxes, coyotes, cats, etc on our property. We are starting to see combs and waddles redden and yesterday on of the 16 week Bovans Browns started squatting. Should we uncover the nesting boxes? Also trying to figure out how to provide access to the nesting boxes during the day and still allow them into the large pen. We move the big pen to a clean, fresh grassy area everyday.

Welcome to BackYardChickens! So glad to have you here in our wonderful community of friendly, helpful, knowledgeable people!