Does each hen need it's own nesting box?

[goldeneggtees]

Hi, I am completely new to this and haven't ordered my chicks yet but I was wondering if each hen needs her own nesting box? In other words - if I get 6-8 chicks (and hopefully they all live) do I need 6-8 nesting boxes?

Thanks, howlinggood

 

[Ridgerunner]

The rule of thumb is 1 nest for 4 laying hens. If you have 6 to 8 hens, I'd go with two.

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

1 next box for every 4 hens is plenty.

 

[gritsar]

If you give them 20 nest boxes, they're still gonna fight over their favorite one.

I would give them at least two in case one girl just can't wait any longer.

 

[CA Bean]

If you can have more chickens then go with 3 at least because you WILL get more chickens- lol! We built 6 nesting boxes and there is not really one that doesn't get used. I originally was planning only 12 chickens...well I sure do have more than 12 now! I am glad DH didn't have to build another set of nesting boxes-he wouldn't have been too happy.

 

[BellLisamo]

wow! im glad this question was answered! i have 7 hens in with my roo, and have 4 boxes. No one uses them. LOL

 

[corancher]

Seems like I always have most of the eggs in one nest. I always wonder how they all get in the box. I have seen as many as three in one nest at a time.

 

[mother goose]

hey,i got 7 red star chickens....but it appears only 2 are laying.....any advice?i got 2 nests.also of the seven,the 2 who we r suspecting r laying..combs r much brighter then the others.......is it possible they havent hit maturation even though they came fr the same place.In other words........what could be holding up production?lolol

 

[roostersandhens]

for 6-8 chicks i would get 4 nesting boxes
Good Luck!

 

[roostersandhens]

i have 11 hens 2 roos and i have 4 nesting boxes only one hen uses them but then mt RIR eats it!