A few basic questions

[poniesforever]

I didn't know where to ask these questions, I finally decided here. Sorry if its not in the right area.

I just have a few questions, since I am new to chickens, don't actually have them yet, but trying to get ready for them. I will be starting my chicks in the house, but my husband is working on the chicken coop... he has the basic structure done, 8' X 8'... What I am wondering is, how to arrange the nesting boxes. Can I have them doubled up, some above and some directly below, or will this keep some chickens from entering, because maybe there to close..?? and how far off the floor should they be? Also, I was hoping to make one at least, as a brooder type box, I'm guessing that one should be on the floor, away from the others? Maybe I wont have a chicken who will raise any chicks, but thought it might be worth a try. I know it depends on the breeds... I am getting Ameracaunas, which I read tend to get quite broody, and Salmon Faverolles, which get broody sometimes.

Another question I have is, I will also be getting a couple ducklings, once they are old enough, will I be able to keep them with the chickens? and do ducks nest and roost like chickens do? or should we prepare different size or types of nesting boxes or roosts for them..? I honestly don't know if ducks roost! Thats probably a silly notion to those of you who know!!

I know, its a lot of questions, I am such a beginer, and just trying to do the best I can. Thanks for all your help!

 

[devora]

Welcome! You are gonna love having birds.

Don't fret about the nest boxes. If ya put in six, they'll lay in one or two. If ya put in one or two, they'll complain ya don't have enough. Play it by ear.

I see no reason to stack them. I've had boxes on the walls, boxes on the floor. Both work well. No need for a special broody one. She will decide which is deemed fit to brood in.

But all this is months away for you! As soon as you have little chicks you'll be consumed by keeping them alive.

I know nothing about ducks but I'm betting a roosting duck would be a very, very special duck indeed.

 

[poniesforever]

Oh my word! Too funny!!! Okay, so now the question about ducks roosting seems so funny! Well, there ya go, thats a beginner for ya! lol!

Okay, so I don't really need as many nesting boxes as I have chickens I guess. Well, thats good to know! Thank you for answering my questions. I know its some time before I need to worry about it, but, since hubby is building the coop, and planning where and how to arrange the nesting boxes, nice to know and have it done!

Thanks again! Thank God for your sense of humor!!

 

[Eggcessive]

I had 10 nest boxes for 32 hens, and they have used all of them at the same time. They lay eggs from about 7 AM to about 2 PM, and I had 3 chronic broodies, so I had to make a few more. Mine are stacked 2 high, are on the floor because I have some banties, but most recommend putting them up off the floor. If you stack them be sure and put a railing on the upper boxes so they can jump up on them to enter.