When should I unblock the nesting-boxes?

[cluckmecoop7]

Don't start giving layer feed until you start getting eggs. Oyster shell should be offered on the side a week or so before you expect eggs to start. You'll know they're going to start laying because they'll start investigating the nest boxes and rooting around in there.

They may or may not recognize what the nest boxes are for - it depends how comfortable they are and their location. Do they also free range or stay in a coop and run? Can you post pictures of your setup?

Thank you again!

No, they don't free range. I will get pics of the setup asap. Also, I have been feeding them layer feed for the last week or so. They seem fine and thats what TSC told me to do. (Other chicken owners, also.)

 

[cluckmecoop7]

At first I tried fake grass, looked great, nice and comfy. But my girls were scared of it, so out it came. Pine shavings work great, until one girl decided to kick them all out. So now I use a nest pad covered with pine shavings, so even if they scratch out the shavings, something is still on the bottom of the nest.

Good idea, thank you!

 

[cluckmecoop7]

They'll be checking the boxes out because they like a protected place to lay and they'll be curious because they haven't had access before. You can put golf balls or fake eggs in them and they'll get the idea of where to lay.

I feed an all flock instead of layer so I'm not sure you'd need the extra calcium with what you're feeding. It's supposed to provide what calcium they need as I understand.

Don't be surprised if it's another couple of months before you get eggs though. My girls were about 6 months before they started laying.

My girls like timothy grass hay in their nesting boxes.

Ok.

I have golf balls handy and even one fake egg. I'm going to unblock the nesting-boxes later today I think.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

14 + 3 = 17 weeks, close enough to 18 weeks. So the expert may be right. Nature has to take its course.

 

[igorsMistress]

At first I tried fake grass, looked great, nice and comfy. But my girls were scared of it, so out it came. Pine shavings work great, until one girl decided to kick them all out. So now I use a nest pad covered with pine shavings, so even if they scratch out the shavings, something is still on the bottom of the nest.

I was looking at some pad things at the feed store yesterday and thinking they might be a good idea to try. My girls like to rearrange their nest boxes too and then inevitably there's some eggs that get broken. Good to know you've had some luck, I think I'll give them a try when my newbies start laying.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I was looking at some pad things at the feed store yesterday and thinking they might be a good idea to try. My girls like to rearrange their nest boxes too and then inevitably there's some eggs that get broken. Good to know you've had some luck, I think I'll give them a try when my newbies start laying.

I prefer to go the cheapest way possible. I don't think I'll be getting those unless they are under $5. It is a good Idea though.

 

[igorsMistress]

I prefer to go the cheapest way possible. I don't think I'll be getting those unless they are under $5. It is a good Idea though.

It may be a moot point here anyway and the definitely weren't $5 or less!
My older girls were hatchery stock, the newbies aren't and they may end up too big for the nest boxes. I suspect this will be the case, and I'm kinda happy about it. I want them more open and on the ground so if the boxes are too small, hubs can't argue the point

 

[rosemarythyme]

I prefer to go the cheapest way possible. I don't think I'll be getting those unless they are under $5. It is a good Idea though.

Cheapest way: fold some empty feed bags to fit the nest box, then top with pretty much any bedding you want. The feed bags provide extra cushion and in case of any egg breakage you can just pick them up with the soiled bedding and toss them.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Cheapest way: fold some empty feed bags to fit the nest box, then top with pretty much any bedding you want. The feed bags provide extra cushion and in case of any egg breakage you can just pick them up with the soiled bedding and toss them.

Thank you!

 

[aart]

Now would be a good time, so you can 'train' them not to sleep in nests before the eggs come.
Are your roosts higher than the nests...and have they been sleeping on the roosts?