When to remove nesting box blocks.

[SFPeggy]

Thanks, all. Good to read the opinions and techniques. I also don't like them sleeping in the laying boxes -- because of the poop.
I block the boxes at night with small pots, but I will try the jug, b/c my chicks sometimes just sit on the small pots. They definitely do have their own minds. I have two identical boxes right next to each other, and they are determined to only lay in the right hand box. The left one is empty, even if there is conflict over the space. My previous flock did this too (although I think they liked the left box), and they broke eggs. So far, no broken eggs here. I'm keeping an eye on the situation.

Hi! First time posting - long time lurker. I have 4 gorgeous 17 week old RIR. They look like full size birds now - big red combs, and around the eyes, etc. So I expect them to start laying before long.

My issue is this - when I first moved the girls into their outdoor coup, they all slept in a pile in the nesting boxes. I let that bad habit go on too long. So a few weeks ago I blocked off the nesting boxes.

When I close them up in the evening, they are still in a pile in the corner. By the time I let them out in the morning, they are all roosting on the poles. So I am unsure if I can remove the nesting box block yet or if I should wait.

Any advice is welcome - I am a chicken newb but they have been lots of fun for the whole family, even though they have not made us breakfast yet...

 

[EggWalrus]

Thanks, all. Good to read the opinions and techniques. I also don't like them sleeping in the laying boxes -- because of the poop.
I block the boxes at night with small pots, but I will try the jug, b/c my chicks sometimes just sit on the small pots. They definitely do have their own minds. I have two identical boxes right next to each other, and they are determined to only lay in the right hand box. The left one is empty, even if there is conflict over the space. My previous flock did this too (although I think they liked the left box), and they broke eggs. So far, no broken eggs here. I'm keeping an eye on the situation.

Once you get the nests lower and the roosts higher than the nests, if you have any problems with these birds breaking eggs and eating them, you can always make some "roll out nests". They are easy to make and will let the egg roll back and out of reach of any hens. It's hard for the hens to break or eat the eggs if they can't get to them. Just Google "roll out nest design".
Hope this helps.