Sleeping in nest boxes and other questions!

[Baxter's Chickens]

Hi,
Our four girls are now 19 weeks old, getting red in the face and I think might be getting ready to start laying YEA!!
So my questions are:
1. They were all sleeping on their roost, but now they are all sleeping in the nesting boxes (three boxes). Should I block the boxes for a while, or will they figure it out on their own?
2. They free range in the yard most all day (with access to their coop). Should I keep them in their pen for a while to train them to lay their eggs in the boxes or will they figure that out as well?

Thanks so much. Don't know what I would do with out Backyard Chickens People!!

 

[Zaxby's2]

I wouldn't block them from the nests, try putting them up on the roost tonight and see if they do it on there own tomorrow. About your other question it might help to keep them in their pen until they start laying eggs, as they might find nests to lay in while free ranging, and you want them to lay in the nest box. Good luck!

 

[harrisville chicken]

If possible, block them at night and open them up the next morning. We've had to do that with each batch of pullets we've had.

 

[Baxter's Chickens]

Thanks! We will try blocking the boxes at night , opening them in the morning.
Also leaving them in the coop until they learn where to lay the eggs!