When to put out nest boxes?

[biretta]

Hello. I've been reading members' posts about their first eggs and am wondering when I should make nest boxes available. My chickens are about 16 weeks old. Do most of you wait until the first egg appears, or provide nest boxes after you know they've begun to lay?

Thanks.

 

[jimnjay]

I usually put out a box at about 16 weeks. They will usually go inside something that is protected to lay. If they start out laying on the floor, it is hard to break that habit. If I have juveniles in a coop or pen that already has a box and is large enough, I leave it in there all the time. That way they are used to it and don't get upset by something strange coming into their space. Some chickens are very keen on changes to their environment and will let you know when something is in there that does not belong.