Open or close nests?

[NancyA]

View attachment 1334507 im bringing 10 ready to lay red sex link home today. Should I close off nests for a bit or leave them open... of course I want them to learn to use roosts- not nests for sleeping

 

[jadip4]

How exciting!! Personally, I would leave them open and make sure they're on the roosts at bedtime. Shouldn't take long for them to figure it out. Also, you may want to put some fake eggs or golf balls in the boxes. They'll get the idea. Chickens are dumb smart like that, lol. Can't wait to see pictures!

 

[aart]

View attachment 1334507 im bringing 10 ready to lay red sex link home today. Should I close off nests for a bit or leave them open... of course I want them to learn to use roosts- not nests for sleeping

Could go either way.
Are your roosts higher than your nests?
Is it easy to cover the nests?
I rigged and easy close system, always ready when I need it.
Like right now I should go close it to keep broody and her chicks outta there tonite,
then I'll open it back up when I lock up after dark.

 

[NancyA]

Good thing I left them open! On day two, two out of three boxes were used and the next day they were all used!! Got 7 eggs yesterday from my 10 new chickens!

 

[aart]

Good thing I left them open! On day two, two out of three boxes were used and the next day they were all used!! Got 7 eggs yesterday from my 10 new chickens!

Great!!
Did anyone try to sleep in the nests?