How many nestboxes?

[tenderkat]

So, I'm in the process of building my coop. My hens (3 RIR, 3 BR) will have everyday access to a big run. My coop will have an interior of about 28 sq. feet. I was planning on 3 nestboxes, but as I'm looking at my space, I think if I drop it down to 2, I will have more floor space.

Initially, I was planning on putting the nestboxes externally. But, as I'm already struggling with this whole wall framing concept, I'm pretty sure doing that will just about put me in the looney bin.

So, my question is, will two nestboxes be enough for my six girls? I Also, I was thinking of stacking them to provide more floor space. Will this be okay?

 

[ranchhand]

6 hens? I'd recommend 3 nest boxes, but hens are funny- sometimes they will stand in line or pile on top of each other, because they all want the one "SPECIAL" nest box!

Try two stacked, and see what happens. If it doesn't work, you can always add one.

 

[tenderkat]

You're right, I feel much better about putting in three nestboxes. I'm framing in the back wall right now. I think I've just figured out a way to sort of tuck the nest boxes into the wall pocket. This will give me an extra 5 inches for the depth of the nestboxes, so that they won't stick out so far.

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

With only six birds, I'd put in one or two larger community nest boxes because they do tend to like 'the special box'.

 

[MIKE555444]

I will have to build nest soon... i like the idea of outside access but I wonder if there is a way to stack those in a limit space and still access them from outside?

 

[only one lay]

This is a exterior view of nest boxes put on after this shed was converted to a coop.

This is the inside. I cut the openings after i mounted the exterior portion the ran boards around edge
for protection of birds.

 

[LaSombra]

not to hijack the post but I was wondering the same for my girls. I have 14 (I think

). I know everyone doesn't need their own nest but how many per nest is normal?

 

[r-l-newell]

Quote:
3 to 4 per nesting box is normal but up to 5 can go into a nesting box. I have built my 12 hens three seperate community nesting boxes that are twenty two inches long and twelve inches deep each and have covers over them so they can have a little privacy. I can access them from the outside to get the eggs when they start to produce them.

Hope this helps.

 

[LaSombra]

Quote:
Thanks a lot

Space isn't much of an issue but just knowing is half the battle

 

[DoubleHappinessFarm]

So, that sounds like the rule of thumb would be half as many nest boxes as chickens. So if we do 12 hens I will need six nest boxes... Right?