Can I put nesting boxes on the floor?

[5 Points Wingfeather]

2 boxes should be fine, but 3 would spread out the layer line-up a little more.

I don't want nest boxes on the floor because I have a bad back and don't want to have to stand on my head to collect eggs.

Also, if the nests are on the floor you can get messy bedding kicked into them.

That makes sense. Since my coop is 4feet off the ground, I shouldn’t have to bend over very much. I do need to take messy bedding into consideration. I’ll have to think about that

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

My pullets are about to start laying so I’m about to add a few nesting boxes.

1. I have 7 girls. Do I need 2 or 3 boxes?
2. Is it ok if I put the boxes on the floor of the coop? The coop itself is 4 feet off the ground so in a sense they would still be laying up high a little bit.

Ethier 2 or 3 will be fine...if there anything like what I have they will just use the 1 and scream about it when someone else in the flock is using it hahah

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would do 3 if you have the space for it, never hurts to have an extra in case you get a broody or something.

On the floor is fine. Mine's technically 3" off the floor on little feet, but once bedding is in, it sits at "ground level."

 

[aart]

The coop itself is 4 feet off the ground so in a sense they would still be laying up high a little bit.

The reason to put nests off the floor is about not using up floor space for nests.
Chickens are natural ground nesters.

Why is your coop raised 4', doesn't that make it a bit hard for you to get into it?
Got pics?

 

[5 Points Wingfeather]

The reason to put nests off the floor is about not using up floor space for nests.
Chickens are natural ground nesters.

Why is your coop raised 4', doesn't that make it a bit hard for you to get into it?
Got pics?

This one for these 7 pullets is a 4x8 coop on posts and it’s lifted 4 feet off the ground. It is that way so they have a space to get up under it in the run. Also it’s not big enough that I get into it very often. Also I think it helps with rodents and vermin not getting into it but I’m not positive about that one.

I know 4x8 for 7 pullets is close to not enough space but They also have a run with almost double recommended space and they almost daily get out in our 5 acre yard. So far space has not been an issue.

 

[3KillerBs]

I know 4x8 for 7 pullets is close to not enough space

4x8 is within the 4 square feet in the coop recommendations for 7 with space to spare -- especially with a generous run in a mild climate. I'm sure they're very happy.

 

[5 Points Wingfeather]

4x8 is within the 4 square feet in the coop recommendations for 7 with space to spare -- especially with a generous run in a mild climate. I'm sure they're very happy.

Well for right now I have two cockerels also. As of now no problems but I have a backup 4x4 to put a breeding pair or trio in for a month this spring to get some hatching eggs and then I’ll probably get rid of a cockerel and 1-2 girls.

 

[5 Points Wingfeather]

Is 12x18 inches ok dimensions? I know not ideal, but I already have some boxes of that dimension that I could modify instead of starting new

 

[3KillerBs]

Is 12x18 inches ok dimensions? I know not ideal, but I already have some boxes of that dimension that I could modify instead of starting new

Humans are much fussier about the nestboxes than the chickens are.

 

[aart]

Is 12x18 inches ok dimensions? I know not ideal, but I already have some boxes of that dimension that I could modify instead of starting new

Open topped?
Should be fine.
IMO, minimum of 12x12x12".