Should i open nesting boxes?

[artsvarc]

Good morning. I have 9 pulletts @14 weeks and 3 @11 weeks.

I don't want to open the nesting boxes too soon due to the younger. They all are roosting at night but they do all go in the coop during the late morning and "nap" in the shavings on the coop floor.

Advice appreciated.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

You can put golf balls or fake eggs in each box when you open them. Maybe then they'll realize what they're for

 

[bwebster]

You can put golf balls or fake eggs in each box when you open them. Maybe then they'll realize what they're for

I used the ceramic eggs from TSC and they seemed to work. Birds had access to the nesting boxes from week 7 when they first went outside. We had a couple eggs on the ground of the run but all are now laid in the boxes.

 

[drinkoj]

What I've read, as my chicks are close to yours, is not to open the nesting boxes until they are at least 16 weeks of age. Just keep an eye out for the combs changing color, the chicken squat dance, and the chicken song sounds, as those are indicators that you need to put out that oyster shell for egg laying.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd open them up now, since the chickens are all roosting. Better to figure out if you'll have any issues with nest box sleepers now, while you have plenty of time to make adjustments if needed. Plus it gives the older birds some time to explore (hopefully) the nest boxes before they need to use them.

 

[aart]

I'd open them up now, since the chickens are all roosting. Better to figure out if you'll have any issues with nest box sleepers now, while you have plenty of time to make adjustments if needed. Plus it gives the older birds some time to explore (hopefully) the nest boxes before they need to use them.

Ditto Dat!

 

[artsvarc]

Thank you all. I opened them up yesterday

 

[David61]

Sixteen weeks its time. If you have one squat you're out of time.
Now eleven weeks old are still teenage knotheads.
Open one nest and wait for the other girls to get to point of lay.
My ten girls only use two of my four nest boxes.