When to open up the nest box?

[ChrisG]

We have 6 Golden Comets, 2 Leghorns and 2 Black Sexlinks. The Comets are about 10 weeks old, the Leghorns about 9 weeks old and the Sexlinks about 8 weeks old. I read somewhere that we should block off the nest boxes until about 20 weeks so that the hens don't decide to roost in them or some reason like that so I have them blocked off for now. Then while researching the Comets it seems like they may start laying sooner than other breeds. When should I open up the nest boxes? I have a stepped roost with three rungs on it. The lowest is about the same height as the nest box but they all roost on the highest one (one even sits in the higher window!).

 

[homesteadinmama]

I am going to open mine at 16 weeks, give em a few weeks to see them and explore, cause anytime after 18 weeks you could find an eggs

 

[ChrisG]

Now that you say that, I think that 16 weeks is what I remember reading.

 

[N&MSchroeder]

Hi and

Yes, you should make it available by the 16th week.

 

[ChrisG]

Is there a problem with opening it up sooner?

 

[littlecreekfarm]

you should open it at about 16 weeks. If you open it now they may sleep in it meaning they will poop in it.