Double laying box: Divided or Communal?

[mbishop]

I was looking at some of the rollaway egg nesting boxes and see that there are two kinds of double boxes, those with a divider to give each hen privacy, and those that are open, so there's no "favorite" spot.

Which type of box is generally preferred by hens or owners? I'm trying to decide which one to get.

Thanks!

 

[21hens-incharge]

While I don't have roll away nests I have tried both communal and divided.

My hens when given both options chose divided.
That was true even of a group who started out with communal only.

 

[aart]

While I don't have roll away nests I have tried both communal and divided.

My hens when given both options chose divided.
That was true even of a group who started out with communal only.

Same here.

 

[Chickassan]

Depends on your chickens, these Faverolles will choose communal any day of the week.
The dominiques don't share, in fact they evict hens from nests if they want one in use.

 

[mbishop]

Depends on your chickens, these Faverolles will choose communal any day of the week.
The dominiques don't share, in fact they evict hens from nests if they want one in use.

Actually, that might make a difference. We have mostly Favaucanas which I think are a mix of Faverolles.

 

[Chickassan]

Ok, I have the answer for those at least what i've observed.
Those don't share, the Faverolles communal spirit goes out the window and is replaced with the ameracunas "wait your darn turn!" attitude.
They don't evict though, just end up in grumpy piles or dump eggs outside the nest if they grow tired of waiting.

Actually, that might make a difference. We have mostly Favaucanas which I think are a mix of Faverolles.

 

[Mtnboomer]

Brahmas prefer divided unless there is a broody. Then all willay their eggs on top of her while she is sitting there.

 

[mbishop]

Ok, I have the answer for those at least what i've observed.
Those don't share, the Faverolles communal spirit goes out the window and is replaced with the ameracunas "wait your darn turn!" attitude.
They don't evict though, just end up in grumpy piles or dump eggs outside the nest if they grow tired of waiting.

I have looked in our laying area before and seen a pile up. It made me laugh out loud.

 

[sixlittlechickens]

My silkies will all pile into one nesting box; the second box is always empty. I think it really depends on the breed.

 

[saysfaa]

What do Australorps prefer?