How big should our nesting boxes be?

[CharlotteRenee]

Hi, how big should we make our nesting boxes??

 

[Bradfordj]

Typically 12x12. depends on your breeds and bird sizes. 12x12 is a good guideline line though!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Typically 12x12. depends on your breeds and bird sizes. 12x12 is a good guideline line though!

X 2 - 12x12 is pretty standard for most large fowl breeds - though bigger can be better, especially for the larger breeds.

 

[PapaChaz]

good answers so far for sure. my last coop, I did 12x12 square, 15" at the front sloping to around 10" at the back. this was an external box with a hinged top to get the eggs out. My bigger hens seemed cramped and didn't like it.

The coop I just built, I did 12x12 sq again, BUT I made them 18" at the front but 15" at the back. seemed huge!!!!! And, the girls will typically like a 'snuggly' place and an 18" open front just didn't seem like they would like it. Then I saw aart's coop, and how there was a front on the nests and cut 10 1/4" holes to make it seem more snuggly and private, and I did the same with mine. I traced the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket and cut with a jigsaw. I'm really happy with how it turned out. I have a few months to wait to see if the chickens like it, they're only 7 weeks old now, HA

here's a pic inside


here's a few from the outside

 

[CharlotteRenee]

OK thanks for the info guys!