When to open nest box?

[kwebb]

When do you open the nest box? I sealed it off and my chickens are 3 month old. They are still a little ways off, but did not know when I should go ahead and open the nest box. They sleep on the roost, so I don't see them going in there to sleep, but you never know.

Thanks!

 

[jthornton]

The nest box can either be open all the time or you can close it at night if the roost is not high enough so they don't want to roost in the nest box. Chickens want to roost up high where it is safe.

My Rhode Island Red Pullets laid their first egg at 18 weeks of age.

When chicken math hits you the nest box will have to be open all day anyway.

JT

 

[aart]

You could open them now, or in a few weeks, nice to have them open for a couple weeks before laying commences so you can make sure they will not sleep in them.

I rigged a permanent hinged cover that's easy to employ and always ready if I need it.
Close it an hour before roosting time, then open after dark when I lock up.