What should I expect.....

[tkline704]

Please let me know: My chicks are approximately 15 weeks old and doing very well. This is my first time raising chickens so I was hoping for some help as to what to expect as they get closer to laying eggs. How do I know they are getting ready to lay, how soon should I prepare the nesting boxes and what is the best material to use? Anything else, I need to know???? Excited and nervous at the same time!

 

[Chickeneedy]

You may notice your girls starting to squat down when you approach, that can indicate they are reaching laying age. I don't allow my pullets access to the nesting boxes until about week 17 (so they don't get in the habit of sleeping in them). I use straw or pine shavings in the bottom of my nesting boxes; it cushions the bottom and is easy to change.

 

[tkline704]

Thank you so much! I currently use the pine shavings, but didn't think to block off the nesting boxes for now.