How large does a nesting box hole need to be?

[LaurelC]

I just have 3 hens for now, but I'll be adding a few more. So far I am totally in love with my langshan, so I expect that the majority of my birds will be on the larger end. I'm building a community style nesting box and wanted to cut an egg-shaped hole in the front as an entrance. What dimensions are going to be large enough for the girls to get inside without being so big that it looks/feels open/not cozy?

 

[junebuggena]

Depends. do they have to jump up into the box, or is it floor level? If they have to jump up a bit, then you're going to have to leave room for wing spread.

 

[LaurelC]

Depends. do they have to jump up into the box, or is it floor level? If they have to jump up a bit, then you're going to have to leave room for wing spread.

I'll have a perch for them to jump up onto and then step into the box.

 

[junebuggena]

Then you'll need it the opening to be at least as wide as your widest hen (shoulder to shoulder) and as tall.

 

[Hokum Coco]

I have a pop door that is 9x12 and all my hens plus my rooster can go through it no problem plus I have used cat litter box as an egg similar to this one.







My hens are of the Golden Comet variety and here is a picture of my old Delaware Rooster.