Help , I'm new!!!

[Galvestongirl]

Hello! I have been reading all the great info on this website for 2 weeks. I'm in the process of designing my coop! Can someone tell me how big the nesting boxes should be? If they are too big, the hens don't use them properly. I will have a 4*8 coop not including run for 6-8 birds. Should the boxes be 12*12 on the 8' side? I don't want to re-do the coop! Any other advise for coops for a first time coop builder would be greatly appreciated!

 

[theoldchick]

No adv ice on nest box size, but Hello!

 

[<3ChickenForever]

My boxes are probably about 12x12.

 

[Galvestongirl]

Thank you, that's what I planned. 3 nesting boxes , 12*12 , on the 4 ft side for 8 chickens. Hope 3 boxes is enough!

 

[theoldchick]

You should be fine. Chickens usually like to lay in the same spot I have 16 nest boxes for 16 hens and I was told I had enough nests for 88 hens! Oh well, the extra come in handy for the broodies to set in.

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

For bigger birds, such as Orps and other heavy-duty birds, a 12x14" box is better; for most birds 12x12"its fine.

 

[Fierlin1182]

Hi and

Good luck with building your coop!
Although don't be surprised if your hens don't lay in the boxes at first. Ours never did, they have a little ditch for a nest in the corner of the coop.

 

[theoldchick]

Never hurts to have a large nest box-just in case!

 

[Kevin565]