4 chickens = ? nest boxes

[Chicken Rustler]

Yeah What ERnoleGuy said !! I thought a 12x12 coop with a 16x16 yard would be plenty for our planned 6-8 chickens. Well those 6-8 ended up being 18. And now I wish I had room for a few more.

 

[patandchickens]

Make the coop as big as you can stand to make it. SERIOUSLY. If you don't get more chickens, your chickens will be happier and behave more naturally and your management tasks will be easier; if you DO get more chickens, well, the bigger the coop is the more easily you can add chickens

I've mostly just used one biggish nestbox when it's just going to be serving 4 chickens; but it is certainly true that if you have the room to do it gracefully, it can't hurt to make 2 boxes, especially if yours is a breed that might go broody. (e.t.a. - reread your original post, and that may not be such a factor, depending on your chickens' source) Depends on coop size and design. I wouldn't take away floor space to make a second box, but if it'll be up on the wall, then sure, why not

Have fun,

Pat

 

[XilverAngel]

My dad wants to know some answers so here are his questions:

1. What makes a hen go to the nest box to lay eggs? Why doesn't it lay anywhere?

2. For the roosts, are they round circular poles or are they flat pieces of wood?

3. How high do the roosts have to be?

4. How high off the ground does the nest boxes have to be? (if they are going to be off the ground)

Any answers would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Chooksaurus]

Quote:
Many people use decoy eggs, golf balls, etc. to teach the hens where to lay. Instinct makes them find a "safe" place for the eggs.

2. For the roosts, are they round circular poles or are they flat pieces of wood?

Can be either, but flat is easier on their feet and better if temps hit freezing.

3. How high do the roosts have to be?

Higher than the nest boxes, else they will sleep in the boxes and dirty the nests.

4. How high off the ground does the nest boxes have to be? (if they are going to be off the ground)

Varies by bird size and coop construction, but give some kind of roost/perch in front so they have something to balance on when getting in if they are higher up.​

 

[XilverAngel]

Thank you! And just one more thing about sizes of the coops. We have a board that is 40" by 47.5" , not 4'x4' . Is that size ok for 4 chickens? We have a limited amount of space and are trying not to buy wood. If the space is ok, should the nest boxes be in the coop or sticking out, as in a different box along the wall of the coop? WE want enough space for the chickens....

 

[tomdeggeater]

Hi Angel, If you're in a climate that has mild winters, I would mount the nest boxes through the outside wall, with a sloped, hinged roof for easy access to the eggs and for cleaning. Plus more room in the coop.
For cold winters, I would mount them inside, about 12" off the floor. The boxes will be warmer that way especially if you use heat lamps. The floor space beneath is open for use. You can still cut a hatch through the wall behind the nest boxes to sneak the eggs out

and clean...
You could fit 3 - 12" boxes along the 40" side...
Tom