How large enterance to coop, and what size laying box (for 2)?? - 3 ISA Browns & 1 Bantam

[jimmywalt]

I'm building my own coop but don't know what the specs should be for our chicks once they become adults

3 ISA Browns
1 Bantam

Size of entry/exit door to coop?
Size of nesting box? Would like 2 side by side with a divider in the middle.

Thank you.

 

[Ga Boy]

Each Nesting box 12x12x12
Door 12x12
16 Sq Ft will work great and you could add one more Bantam. 4 sq ft for reg birds 2 sq ft for bantams. Here is a 4x4 pallets coop I'm working on.

 

[Ridgerunner]

My entry door (usually called pop door on this forum) is also 12” x 12”. I’ve had a midget white turkey use it so that is plenty big enough for your chickens. Just remember to raise it off the coop floor enough so the bedding doesn’t get scratched out.

I’ll agree with 12” x 12” as a minimum size for a nest. I made mine larger, 16” x 16”, and have sometimes seen 3 hens in there laying at the same time. The nest does not have to be one exact size. Many different things work. 12” x 12” will work fine.

Two is a good number of nests for four hens. You could usually get away with just one but that extra gives you a bit of flexibility just in case. I’ve had nest hogs that take 3 hours to lay and won’t let another hen in to lay with her. That is really rare. Usually they are OK to share and don’t take nearly as long. Then if you get a broody you can deal with it. I do like that extra flexibility.

 

[jimmywalt]

Each Nesting box 12x12x12
Door 12x12
16 Sq Ft will work great and you could add one more Bantam. 4 sq ft for reg birds 2 sq ft for bantams. Here is a 4x4 pallets coop I'm working on.

Thank you! My wife is going to be excited when I tell her we could get another little girl (bantam).