When do I uncover the nest box(es)?

[PDX_chickie_baby]

My chickens are ~12 weeks and are sleeping on their roost at night. The roosts are higher than the nest boxes. We have five chickens—two red sex-links, a cuckoo marans, a silver laced Wyandotte, and a bielfelder. We have three nest boxes, all covered with plywood.

I was planning on opening one nest box when the sex-links are 16 weeks old. Does that sound right? Do we need curtains? What’s the deal with people putting herbs in the nest box?

 

[AraucanaMama]

people often put herbs in nest boxes to prevent pests like worms, mites, lice, ect. in their flock. Curtains are optional, but recommended. (especially if the nest boxes are in the run instead of in their own little secluded room.) I would say that your 16 week old date is good, just in case some of the hens are early bloomers, but also just to get them familiar and comfortable with the environment.
Hope this helps!

 

[nuthatched]

16 weeks is a good age, most people just use straw or wood shavings in the boxes. Any benefits herbs might have in negligible, since the average hen is just sitting in them for about half an hour. Some people use curtain for extra privacy, it's just another thing to clean for me.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since they're all reliably using the roost, I'd open up all the nest boxes a little earlier, like now, or in a couple of weeks. This way they have a little time to explore the boxes before they need to use them, in hopes that when they're ready to lay that they remember that the boxes were good places to try out. A couple fake eggs in the nest boxes will help with that.

I don't use curtains, nor do I add herbs. Curtains are cute, but not usually needed in many set ups, and herbs makes people feel better I guess? Boxes just need to feel safe, in order for birds to use them, which is what the fake eggs convey - "Hey someone else laid here, so I can lay here too."

 

[Dreammaker]

Agree--you don't need curtains or herbs. I do have curtains though, because I had one hen start laying eggs anywhere but the nesting boxes. She'd sort of growl at me when I caught her nesting under the roosting bar. So, I tried curtains and fake eggs thinking it would help and it seems to be! She's back to laying in the boxes. You can see how yours do and if they seem cool with everything, no need to add curtains unless you like the look.

Best of luck with your pullets! It's a fun and exciting time watching them approach point of lay.

 

[PDX_chickie_baby]

Thanks, all! I looked at my calendar and these girls are actually 13 weeks (SLV, Bielfelder, Cuckoo Marans) and 14 weeks (Red Sex Links). They’re starting to red up but I know there’s still a way to go! Thanks for confirming my plan!