Nesting boxes

[Eggsandbeyond]

I have a flock of 12 (11 hens 1 roo) but will slowly be adding. I have an 8x12 shed for their coop. How many nesting boxes should I have? I want enough so I do not need to add on in the future when adding onto the flock. I was thinking 6? I will not go over 18-20 chickens(I'm thinking lol)
Also, I'm using milk crates. Share your photos of your nesting boxes, especially if using milk crates and maybe curtains. I will eventually add some on. Thanks!

 

[Australorpfamily]

I have 6 boxes for our 20 girls and it's not enough, lol, I think this because about 15 try to lay at the same time of day. Come spring we are adding another layer of boxes. Yes, there are four boxes that are favored and even with two (Australorp and Orpington) in one box there is always a waiting line and at times that ends with eggs on the ground (not always) lol

 

[aart]

4 nests would be enough for 20 layers, at least it was here.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd do 5 or 6 nests for 20. The birds may favor just 1 or 2, but I do find that my flock will spread out and use all the nest boxes when laying is in full swing.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would go with 6. It's plenty for up to 24 hens.

Mine aren't milk crates.
I use home built nests with dish pan liners.

 

[fluffycrow]

I think 4 nests would be enough. I've used a bunch of things for nests. Plastic crates work very well here

 

[texsuze]

I wouldn't go less than six. Despite hens often having the same 'favorite' nest boxes, better to have plenty available for them to chose from. I use med.-sized (12 x 18"???) rubbermaid tote boxes without the lids. Cut a "U" shaped opening on one of the short sides. Cover the cut edge with a short piece of old garden hose or other tubing. Easy to remove and clean. I fill mine with coastal hay, just like a bird nest.

 

[K0k0shka]

Are you planning on ever letting broodies hatch chicks with the flock? (you may end up doing it even if you aren't planning on it now). It's good to have extra nests for that. I think 6 is a good number - it's unlikely your hens will use all of them to lay, so that will leave extras for brooding.

 

[Australorpfamily]

And there are times you get your two biggest birds trying to share same box... Like seriously, one of you barely fits lol

 

[Eggsandbeyond]

This is what im currently working on. It's not done so no judgement. They haven't moved in yet. I am doing some cheap Waterproof wall paper on the back wall to be able to easily wipe the poop off. I want to do some type of curtains and frame around the nesting boxes. Any ideas? Should I add a few more? My husband gets milk crates free from work there's probably another 50 of them if I need more this shed is huge 12x8 so ive got room for more nesting boxes.