When to open nest boxes?

[Fowl Intentions]

DH and I are building a SECOND coop this weekend (we have a 4x8 coop, but, we couldn't stop buying chicks...!). These chicks were born the end of May, so they're almost three months old. We're going to be using 5 gallon buckets for nests. Should we put these buckets in the new coop right away, or should we hold off for a bit longer?

 

[Cats Critters]

I would hold off until about 17-18 weeks, so they don't try to sleep on/in them before laying, but will have a little time to get used to them before laying.

 

[teach1rusl]

If they're roosting on their own, I'd go ahead and put them in now - with a wooden egg in each (or golf ball, etc.). I like to give them time to explore

 

[Fowl Intentions]

Thank you both!