Do I need more laying boxes?

[Chick1043]

I have two hens that fight over one of the laying boxes in the hen house. There are four laying boxes, but I was told to add more. Is that a way to keep them less noisy? Thanks.

 

[aggie9296]

If you add more, they will probably still fight over the same one. 4 boxes should be enough for 16+ chickens.

 

[Chick1043]

Really? 16 hens! wow

 

[stormylady]

yeah I think it is 1 nest box for six to ten hens, I have eight holer and they fight over the same spots, silly chckens! LOL

 

[Chicken Boo]

I have 21 laying hens and 8 nesting boxes. Which ever box gets and egg in it first becomes the favorite box for the day.

 

[aggie9296]

I have 6 chickens and 1 box. I've heard the ratio is 1 box for every 4-6 hens.

You could have 20 boxes and they will use 2 of them!

 

[Ruth Ann]

We have 8 hens that are laying right now.
We have 3 boxes...yesterday I saw 3 hens trying to all sit in one box at the same time

They will do what they will do.
I love my peeps but they are crazy birds!! LOL

 

[Chick1043]

Do the hens all lay at different times?

 

[aggie9296]

Some days, all eggs by noon. Some days can be as late as 6 pm. If one is in the box and another wants to lay, they a) wait patiently for their turn or b) pop the egg out in the coop or run or c) rudely climb on top of the other hen and lay away.

 

[Chick1043]

haha That sounds about right! lol