When should I allow them to access the nesting boxes?

[debid]

I didn't block off the boxes. They're at 20" so the chicks would have to fly up there to go in one. From that point, they would see that the (higher) roost is just a hop with a flap away. So, I haven't had any chicks sleep in a box. They slept on the floor until I put in a low roost and then they just used that to get to the high roost.

I think if you have the boxes down low, they're going to be appealing. If you have them higher than the roost, ditto. But, I don't think I'd make work for myself by blocking them off before you've seen any evidence of sleeping in the boxes.

 

[Nicole01]

We plan on putting the nest boxes when the older 3 are around 16-18 weeks. We still need to make them.

 

[WVChickenFarmer]

I have been wondering about this myself. Thanks for the answers. Looks like we can wait before we put ours in.

 

[gale65]

Quote:
So it's ok if the eggs sit out all day? I was picturing myself out there at 7 am waiting for eggs to pop out so I could spirit them away to the fridge before they start going bad.

 

[Opa]

Quote:
So it's ok if the eggs sit out all day? I was picturing myself out there at 7 am waiting for eggs to pop out so I could spirit them away to the fridge before they start going bad.

The eggs will be perfectly fine in the coop. If it's convienent to gather several times a day you might find your eggs are cleaners. Eggs that are unwashed do not have to be refrigerated. I use a Scotch-Brite pad to wipe of dirty eggs but never wash them. They will keep several weeks at room temperature as long as they are unwashed.

 

[gale65]

Quote:
So it's ok if the eggs sit out all day? I was picturing myself out there at 7 am waiting for eggs to pop out so I could spirit them away to the fridge before they start going bad.

The eggs will be perfectly fine in the coop. If it's convienent to gather several times a day you might find your eggs are cleaners. Eggs that are unwashed do not have to be refrigerated. I use a Scotch-Brite pad to wipe of dirty eggs but never wash them. They will keep several weeks at room temperature as long as they are unwashed.

thank you! I was planning to get some of those thin green scrubber things for cleaning poop off because I read (in one of my many chicken magazines-I buy every one I see) that you shouldn't wash them. I'll keep them near the coop so we can clean them off before we put them in the basket. When I had layers about 20 yrs ago I washed every last egg in the sink.

 

[BuffsareBad]

I have my two 15 week RIRs and three 8 week BOs in the new coop. They all pile into one nesting box. 5 Chicken stuffed into a 12x12 area. I guess I will try blocking the box for a few weeks. These are my first chickens so Im guessing.

 

[AlienChick]

I do not block off my nest boxes and my chicks are 15 - 17 weeks old now.

They never sleep in the nest boxes since the roosts are higher.

But I WANT EGGS . . . NOW!!!!!!!!!

I know I gotta wait a bit longer, but should I put some golf balls inside the nests just to give 'em a little hint??

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
I would. You are () <-----this close.

 

[SoORchick73]

Late on reading this...again THANKS everyone! I love how every time I ask a question I learn something else in addition to what I asked.