How many nest boxes do I need?

[stacibful]

We have 7 White Wyandottes and 7 Buff Rocks. I'm pretty positive all are pullets with the possibility of 1 being a cockerel. They are only 11 weeks old so we haven't put nesting boxes in their coop yet. How many do you think we'll need? I read online somewhere that 1 box for 2 chickens is enough. Also, are there any signs that they are getting close to laying age? I know most start laying somewhere between 15 weeks and 20 weeks. Thanks everyone!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Generally speaking you want one box for every 4 hens in the flock -- chances are they will heavily favor one or two of them and ignore others, but having that many boxes is a good balance.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

We have 7 White Wyandottes and 7 Buff Rocks. I'm pretty positive all are pullets with the possibility of 1 being a cockerel. They are only 11 weeks old so we haven't put nesting boxes in their coop yet. How many do you think we'll need? I read online somewhere that 1 box for 2 chickens is enough. Also, are there any signs that they are getting close to laying age? I know most start laying somewhere between 15 weeks and 20 weeks. Thanks everyone!

Also - most do not start laying between 15-20 weeks -- for most standard breeds the average onset of lay is more in the 20-28 week range with some starting as early as 18, but the early starters are more the exception than the rule.

 

[stacibful]

Oh nice so we might have a while longer. My grandmother has probably 100 chickens and she told me 15-20 weeks so I assumed she would be an expert. HAH! I'm really excited for them to start laying. It'll be fun for my kiddos.

 

[MikeTheGardener]

I have 7 hens ... my coop has 3 boxes ... and yet they all use the one box on the right ... go figure