How many nest boxes do I need?

[Angierob]

I have eleven hens 4 are bantam size and 7 are regular size. How many nest boxes do I need. They are all within 10 to 12 weeks of age

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I would go with three.

 

[cuckoo4chickenz]

I always been told 1 nest box per 5 hens as they all want be laying at the same time. GL!

 

[Angierob]

A very large nest box is connected to the coop it can be divided into two. I purchased 2 home made kitchen sets for kids. All I need to do it take the shelf out and open the doors. They would be seperated from the roost but still in the very large pen. Is it a problem for it to be seperated? I seen the designs connected so that's the way I Madeline but I also planned to have 3 or 4 chickens then too lol

 

[cuckoo4chickenz]

I think you typically want them nesting and roosting in the coop but im no expert. maybe someone else has some in-put on that.

 

[Angierob]

. See the 2 wooden boxes to the left of the barrel ?? I just thought they would make excellent roost boxes if I remove the shelf inside them. And if a hen goes broody the others would still have am area to lay. When you say they will not lay at the same time ??? Don't they all lay at least once a day? Or does it start and stop like a cycle ??

 

[cuckoo4chickenz]

most will lay once a day. but they will lay at different times. some hens will no lay everyday. depends on type of hen and health

 

[Angierob]

most will lay once a day. but they will lay at different times. some hens will no lay everyday. depends on type of hen and health

So do you think the nest boxes need to be attached to the coop?

 

[subhanalah]

So do you think the nest boxes need to be attached to the coop?

only if they are going to be locked in the coop without access to the nest boxes for any period of time (even overnight)

 

[Angierob]

only if they are going to be locked in the coop without access to the nest boxes for any period of time (even overnight)

Ok good. Then I will divide the dog box (connected) into two and turn the wooden boxes into nest as well. I bought them for 2 dollars each at a yard sale. That way they they can go where they wish and not feel crowded