when should I add nesting boxes?

[0die]

how many weeks until I should provide some nesting boxes? I haven't put them in yet cause I don't want them sleeping or pooping all over them while they are growing and not ready to start laying.

My girls are all 12-13 weeks right now...I figure they still got at least 3-4 weeks to go...

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'd have them installed by 16 - 18 weeks.
You also don't want them to start laying on the floor.
If your roosts are higher than the nests, it's unlikely they'll sleep in them. If you're still concerned, block them off in the evening and open them up in the morning.

 

[0die]

they are kinda installed...but flipped up to block them...I have a storage shelf area on the side of the coop and the nesting boxes are underneath in a darker area of the coop...I was gonna open them when they get close to laying and put some bedding in