Unblocking nesting boxes....

[Mamato6]

Ok so we have 3 different sets of ages of females 12 weeks, 13 weeks and a Lavender AM that is 25 weeks. I want to start preparing her but I don't want the younger ones to poop in the boxes as I'd like to keep them clean. What would you do or did you do in that situation? Block them at night?

 

[calichicken]

Ok so we have 3 different sets of ages of females 12 weeks, 13 weeks and a Lavender AM that is 25 weeks. I want to start preparing her but I don't want the younger ones to poop in the boxes as I'd like to keep them clean. What would you do or did you do in that situation? Block them at night?

Following to see what responses more experienced members give. I have a pair of 10 week old girls and I am blocking the boxes off at night, but have them open with the fake eggs in each one for them to explore during the day

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

If birds are in good habit of roosting and nest boxes are situated lower than the roost, there is less risk of nest box sleeping being an issue. Its when you open before they are solidly roosting that they are more inclined to misuse them.

Following to see what responses more experienced members give. I have a pair of 10 week old girls and I am blocking the boxes off at night, but have them open with the fake eggs in each one for them to explore during the day

This is a good approach in situations with laying age birds in the mix.

 

[aart]

I have a hinged cover for my nest bank.
Easy to drop it down an hour before roosting time,
then flip it back open when I lock up after dark.
Took me a couple years to get that down pat.
Makes things much easier with a mixed age flock.

I got real lucky this year,
the new chicks went to proper roost after just a few nights of blocking nests,
and relocating chicks to roost after dark.
Last year I had to use the nest block for 2 months before they got the message.

 

[calichicken]

I have a hinged cover for my nest bank.
Easy to drop it down an hour before roosting time,
then flip it back open when I lock up after dark.
Took me a couple years to get that down pat.
Makes things much easier with a mixed age flock.

I got real lucky this year,
the new chicks went to proper roost after just a few nights of blocking nests,
and relocating chicks to roost after dark.
Last year I had to use the nest block for 2 months before they got the message.

I hope mine catch on fast..LOL!!!!

 

[Mamato6]

@Ol Grey Mare yes they all roost already they like to hang out in the windows lol