Opening up next box for first time

[MendonMan]

The next boxes have been closed off to the chickens since I put thing outside in the spring. They are 13 weeks. I'm assuming they'll start laying around 22 weeks. When do I open the next boxes up for access? There are 4 chickens with 2 next boxes.

Thanks,

Charles

 

[Den in Penn]

Didn't say what breed or whether they are hatchery or not. They may start laying at twenty weeks. So about eighteen weeks should allow them to investigate the nest boxes before they start. Of they are firmly roosting on the perches you could open sooner.

 

[MendonMan]

Sorry, you right. After reading more I realize the breed is important.

Buff Orpingtons and Barred Rocks.

Charles

 

[Den in Penn]

In this case the opening remains the same. My Bar Rocks started at 20 weeks. As always they are individuals one held off till she was closer to 23 weeks.