How many nesting boxes will I need?

[Arztwolf]

My free range flock is going to become a caged flock in about a week and I'm trying to figure out how many nest boxes I'll need. The run/shelter is HUGE, I don't know the exact footage off the top of my head, but it's big enough for 50 or more chickens.

In it will be (going by breed helps me keep track of how many I have):
3 Red Sex Links
3 EEs (two not laying yet)
2 Brown Leghorns
1 Black Sex Link
1 Barred Rock (not laying yet)

And I will be adding up to 20 more when the ones in my brooder are ready.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have about 35 layers right now, they have 2 areas, 15 boxes total, and they still squabble over four or five of them.

 

[Arztwolf]

I have about 35 layers right now, they have 2 areas, 15 boxes total, and they still squabble over four or five of them.

I can totally see my EE, Gertrude, doing just that.

She is a female dog of the chicken world and goes BERSERK if anyone is in "her spot".

Here's her "egg glare".


The egg in front of her is the one she just layed. There where no other eggs and she was not broody.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have four polish hens that will all jam in a box together, it's like a clown car.

 

[aart]

Always wonder what the numbers for 'huge' are.
Curious too what is your climate/location?

For 35 hens I'd have 8-10 nests and put fake eggs and/or golf balls in most of them to 'spread the love' a bit.

 

[Arztwolf]

Well, its big enough I could live in it comfortably. I live in SW TX, so, really hot summers and usually mild winters.

 

[aart]

Well, its big enough I could live in it comfortably. I live in SW TX, so, really hot summers and usually mild winters.

Well, I used to live in a travel trailer, wouldn't put 35 chickens in there tho......Get out the tape measure

 

[Arztwolf]

Well, I used to live in a travel trailer, wouldn't put 35 chickens in there tho......Get out the tape measure

I will, when it's built.

We're still planning it (the materials come in next week).

 

[aart]

Quote: Then now would be a great time to confirm you have enough space planned.

 

[Arztwolf]

Then now would be a great time to confirm you have enough space planned.

I called the guy who is making it for me, he says it will be over 400sq feet. . He has designed coops/runs for people for his whole life (it was a side job till he retired and now he does it full time). He told me it would be enough.