Any ideas on designs for nest boxes my hens will actually USE?

[lilredhen]

I love this forum.

I'm getting ready to build the nest boxes for my new coop. I finally removed the nests from my old coop since my hens NEVER laid in them, always on the floor. They were 12"X12" and 12" off the floor. They had straw in them and golf balls and a curtain to keep it dark. Also the hinged roof was 12'' above the nests. Too small do you think? They slept in them just fine tho, sitting IN the nest not roosting on the edge. I have Leghorns.

Any ideas? I don't want to make the same mistakes again, whatever they might have been.

 

[silkiechicken]

Maybe they didn't like the curtains. I say work with them and just put the boxes on the floor! Mine just lay on the floor in their next box/house.

 

[FamilyOfChickens]

Well, I'd put them 2' off the floor. When you find eggs on the floor, stick them in the nesting box and they should start to lay there. And I would nix the curtain idea. Light=lay in chickens, so you want as much light as possible in there. I would imagine they wouldn't like feeling closed in, also.

 

[Backyard Buddies]

Also, make sure that the chickens have a place to roost that is higher than the nest boxes. That'll cut down on sleeping in the nests.

 

[lilredhen]

I don't mind them laying on the floor in their smaller coop; I can reach the eggs. In the new one it will be not so convenient.

In the new coop I'm planning for boxes jutting out at about 2' off the floor. Higher roosts are a great idea. Gotta keep the girls happy!

I always thought they liked dark and cozy areas for laying? Do you think hens generally prefer sharing one larger nest or the individual cubicles?

 

[wren]

I have my nests 3 feet off the ground and a roost in front of the nests. They can walk along and pick out the nest that they want. IMO hens sometimes share nests when they are broody. If a hen only has to defend the front opening of the nest it's easier on her.

 

[silkiechicken]

Mine all share one corner of a big nesting box.

 

[lilredhen]

Thanks everyone for your help.

I'm sure, this new coop will be perfect -- until the chickens move in that is! Never know what antics they'll have in store for us. I'll use all your ideas and hopefully not have to totally rebuild anytime soon!

 

[EurekaSouth]

Quote:
Thank you so much for the great tip!! I hadn't thought of that and am getting ready for put nests in for my hens who will start laying in about 4-7 weeks and will certainly incorporate that into my plans!