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how many nesting boxes

Discussion in 'Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance' started by tempestinkansas, Dec 7, 2010.

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  1. Dec 7, 2010 #1
    tempestinkansas

    tempestinkansas In the Brooder

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    I new to this

    I have been reading online, books, webposts and still have dont have a real clue on how many nesting boxes i shud have for my flock. this spring i will be getting 30 chicks and 10 gunies. I have 5 acers, a 10x10 coop with a natural dirt bottom. the farm and garden is pioneer inspired as it is a learning farm for the museum i work at.

    steven
     

  4. Dec 7, 2010 #2
    Cats Critters

    Cats Critters Completely Indecisive

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    It is recommend 4-5 hens per nest box, so you need at least 8 [​IMG]
     
  6. Dec 7, 2010 #3
    tempestinkansas

    tempestinkansas In the Brooder

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    Dec 7, 2010
    I am thinking that 12 nesting boxes will be the correct amont as that is half the number of chickens am i correct in thinking that
     
  8. Dec 7, 2010 #4
    Judy

    Judy Crowing Premium Member

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    Quote:No, one nest for four chickens is the usual rule of thumb, and they won't use that many. I'd probably build 5.


    Best have them outside the coop as that is a small coop for that many birds, or build them high enough that they can walk under them.
     
  10. Dec 7, 2010 #5
    teach1rusl

    teach1rusl Love My Chickens

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    I always suggest one nest box per 3-4 layers. If you're getting straight run chicks, you'll probably end up with a bunch of roosters that will be rehomed or eaten, so you may want to put nest boxes off until they're of the age where you know how many you'll be keeping, and then will know how many nest boxes you'll need. Afterall, if you're getting chicks, you'll have a good 4 months to throw together some nest boxes. For comfort, it's typically recommended that you give 4 sq. ft. of housing for each LF bird. So you may want to take care of your roosters fairly early to help conserve space. Raising the nestboxes (wall mounting) is a great way to conserve floor space.
     

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