3 boxes, 20 chickens

[wbruder17]

Since having chickens, I notice they all want to lay in the same box. So, as my chicken math has exploded, will 3 nests still be enough for all of the chickens (when they all finally start laying again)? The coop itself, where they sleep, is big enough for about 30, and they are outside 365 days a year....they are never "cooped up". So, they only go in the coop to sleep and lay. Do they need more nest boxes? Or will they just wait their turn?

 

[lotzahenz]

I'd go with 5 hens per nest ratio or you may find they lay on the floor. And I can hardly break them of that once they start.

 

[ZombieChickens]

I just replied to another nesting box post. I have 8 currently laying, and they wait their turns for 1 box....

 

[Fierlin1182]

If they're outside, they will probably find other places to lay.

Free ranging our chooks has led to all sorts of interesting escapades battling the undergrowth...

They'll probably wait their turn though, if everyone's laying in the same nest. Mine do that too.

 

[Lindz]

I have 9 hens and 5 boxes. They use 2 of them.

 

[pkazakidis]

I have 20 layers and they all lay in the same nest.The second never gets used.I get 18-20 eggs a day. Every other day or so I will get one on the floor

 

[donnavee]

I have 6 boxes and 20 chickens - 8 of which are currently laying. They use 4 of the 6 boxes and one girl will only lay behind a bale of hay in the duck yard. If I lock the door, she lays on the ground outside the duckyard fence. I don't know how to get her laying in the boxes, stubborn little girl.