how do you know if you need another nest box?

[sashurlow]

So I had to expand our coop before it was completed. Originally it was going to be 4x4 and house 4 birds. Now is 4x6 with six birds. I build it with one larger next box, but now that we will be having 6 hens, I wonder if one nest box is enough.
My question is not weather I need another one, but how will I know if I need another one. I'm hoping one is enough but what should I be looking for to tell me I need another?
So far we have ordered our chicks and don't even have them yet, so we have some time before this becomes and issue (4 buff orphingtons and 2 barred rocks).
Thanks,
Scott

 

[mikecnorthwest]

I have two nest boxes and 5 hens. Sometimes they lay eggs in both boxes and sometimes in only one. I would recommend two, however if you can only do one, then I'm sure the hens will adjust.

 

[omelet du fromage]

I believe the rule of thumb is 1 nest box per 4 birds.

 

[Ridgerunner]

How will you know you need another? It is normal for a hen that is wanting to lay an egg but her favorite nesting box to have another hen in it to pace, look in the box, maybe hop up and crowd a bit. If your nesting box is big enough, you may find two laying at the same time. Nothing unusual and no cause for alarm. If you normally get all your eggs in the nesting boxes but start finding them laid on the floor, especially around the nesting box, it is time for another one.

If you built your one box big enough, it is possible that they will lay two or three at a time. This is the "community" nesting box method. I don't know the minimum size to qualify as a community nesting box. I think it depends on the individual hens. I made my nests 16" x 16", thinking it would give them more room if they wanted to double up. They hardly ever do. I have seen photos of hens literally laying on top of another hen in a smaller nesting box. They are all individuals with their own personality.

 

[sashurlow]

thanks for the advise. I just measured and mine is 15x15x15. My coop is double walled and insulated, so I really don't want to open a wall to make a door for another unless I need it.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

I have 4 nest boxes for 6 hens, they all lay in one. I would say unless you're finding egg on the ground you are fine.

 

[sattoritx]

Quote:
Been reading about nothing but chickens for 2 weeks I have also been told this a couple times and read it a couple times, 1 nesting box per 4 birds.

I would assume with too many birds, if the nesting box is occupied then it may get laid somewhere else? How big is BIG?
everything i've read for size of box is 12"x12" up to 18"x18"

 

[sattoritx]

Quote:
If all else fails you can put a basket in the coop on the ground I know its not pretty but i have seen it in a couple coops and it works.