When to give a nest box?

[Kyra Omega]

The breeder I got my Butter female from said she had mated with a snow and was possibly gravid... He said the mating took place a week ago... I have had her for 3 days... She still seems normal and ate for me very EAGERYLY today ( she took f/t like a champ even though she had only ever been given live) When should I give her a nest box? She stayed in her hide the first day I got her, but now she seems to just like to lounge in the open.... Is it because she doesn't like her hide?

 

[Nanci]

I'd give her the lay box, and stop feeding her, when she goes blue.

 

[bondoron]

I always introduce the nest box when they go blue (prelay shed).

 

[wade]

Tuesday, I always put it in on Tuesday.

 

[Kyra Omega]

Thanks again for the advice. You guys are GREAT!

 

[carnivorouszoo]

Hey, Wade. I can't resist, why tuesdays? LOL

 

[wade]

Wednesday would be too late.

 

[carnivorouszoo]

I have no idea what your reasoning on this would be but I'd love to hear it!

 

[Buzzard]

Wade, you procrastinator. Waiting til the last Day.... the horror.....:laugh01:


When they show signs of the pre-lay shed is the perfect time to intro the box....It helps with the shed and is a moist place for the eggs.

 

[Kyra Omega]

Well she started looking a little blue so I ended up giving her the box ( ironically on tuesday) I was away for the weekend but when I got home on sunday I had a nice clean shed waiting for me. So, I assume this is her pre-lay shed if she really is gravid. She hasn't left her nest box since at least friday.

I am super excited! I know that I should have eggs within the next 7-10 days if she read the book. If she didn't read the book. How long should I leave the nest box in with her? I wouldn't want to have her just hanging around in the damp moss forever if she doesn't lay, I imagine it wouldn't be good for her.

Thanks again

 

[carnivorouszoo]

My Brass was bred on 4-2 I think, and laid 5-8. Just to give an idea.