Start Laying

[scott6150]

I've got my nest boxes block because I read here that they would roost in there if I didn't. They're about 17 weeks now. Should I keep the boxes blocked until they start laying in the coop, or open them up now??

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Open them up. If they're roosting now and the nests are lower than the roosts, they won't sleep in the nests.

 

[Percheron chick]

I'd open them up and let them start checking them out. It's sometimes hard to change the place they lay once they start. They have established their sleeping space and it's unlikely that they will move.

 

[CherishHolland]

I'd open them up and place some plastic or wooden eggs in the nesting boxes that way they can see what they are for

 

[scott6150]

Thanx all for the info!

 

[metachick]

I have one hen that just started laying. She has laid 5 eggs total. And let me tell you, it is a whole production. She is so loud and whiney looking for the spot she wants to lay. Like Goldilocks! We keep building new boxes at different heights and locations and light exposure. One thing that seems to work is if we put an egg in the box she will sit on it. But it makes me so sad taking her eggs now, knowing that she walks around hunting for them. She has even gone as far as jumping over the fence to look for her eggs. Does this ever end?