When to open the nesting boxes -

[vweers]

I know from what I read it should be opened around 16 to 18 weeks. What do you guys recommend? The reason I ask is because at least one will be 16 wks to 18 wks in the next few weeks. We are going out of town, or rather the country, for about 2 week starting next Monday. My oldest one I think will be around 16 wks either this week or next week. (not totally sure on the age as I got her about 2 to 3 weeks old where the rest were just a week or two younger than her) - Should I go ahead and open the nesting boxes? I hate to since my chicken sitter can't be there every evening to make sure they aren't sleeping in them. I do have a cat litter box I thought I would put in the run since it does get pretty hot here as the summer goes on. I live in South Western Idaho, which gets into the 100's at times. Thanks for your input

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If the roosts are significantly higher than the nests, it shouldn't be a problem with them now choosing to sleep in them.
It's good to have the nests open at least a week before you expect eggs.

 

[pdirt]

They will lay in the nest box likely even if it is hot. It get's into the 100's here as well (low humidity though) and our nest boxes are SE facing. They get in there, lay their eggs and get out, they don't dilly dally.

CC gives good advice, I'd open them up. They shouldn't sleep in there if the boxes aren't higher than the roosts.

 

[vweers]

They are right next to the roosts. We have low humidity also. Okay. I will open them before we leave since I am not completely sure of our Australorp's age.

 

[vweers]

Where the plywood is, is where the nesting boxes are right next to the roosts. Not my design, just how this one was made.