Nest boxes for large breeds?

[mallory2013]

Hello everyone!
So, I am getting six chicks in June (I'm sooo excited!) and I was wondering how big the nest boxes should be. I am getting all large breed chickens (barred rock, cochin, brahma, delaware, EE, and golden laced wyandotte). I picked up a two shelf book shelf from Ocean State Job lot for $10 and I was hoping I could use that, but now I'm worried the spaces will be too small. I will be turning it on its side so instead of being on top of eachother the holes will be side by side. The dimensions of the each box will be 12" wide by 16.5" tall by 11.4" deep. What do you guys think? Thanks!

 

[LarryPQ]

12" square should be fine. I made mine bigger, and the chickens decided they like the speaker boxes in the back of the Jeep better.

 

[mallory2013]

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Thats hilarious!

 

[CopperCT]

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That should work fine. I built my boxes 12 X 12 X 12 and I have large breeds including brahmas which are by far my largest birds and they fit in the boxes with room to spare. Slightly less than the 12 inches deep shouldn't make much difference. Good luck with your coop build.

 

[troy4]

Chickens dont need big nests.They love being all crunched up in a box.If they don't like it I would just use big red crates!

 

[waynem1983]

Yup my in currently 12 x 15 x 12 high and fit too very fat buff orps very happily.