Should we cover the nesting boxes?

[OliviaDeHav]

We have had the big girls (6 weeks old) in their new coop for 2 nights. We moved the brooder box out there so they could feel secure and get use to new smells, sounds etc.... Tonight we hope to have them just IN the coop. We'd like to foster using the roosting pole, and i was wondering, in order to do this....since they won't be laying eggs any time soon, could we cover the nesting boxes for a week maybe to get them to use the bar/pole? We are trying to avoid them using the nesting boxes for beds....
thanks

 

[oldchickenlady]

If you mean block them off so they can't sleep in there...yes you can.

 

[Mother of All]

I would cover them until they are about 15 weeks old. I use to put milk jugs in my nesting boxes to keep the girls out.

 

[GermanChick]

We covered our nesting boxes to prevent bad habits, sleeping in there. Now that the girls are 15 weeks we will uncover the nexting boxes on the weekend, we still have to build the back panel to give access to collect the eggs .....

 

[OliviaDeHav]

Quote:
Oh! great idea!!!! Smart people on here!!!

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