How many nests and chickens?

[trainhound]

I'm confused, why only 1 nest per 4 hens? and I would like to know how many hens can I fit into my chicken tractor, it is 4'x4'x4' and the nests are 22" from the floor. The run is, 12'L x 4'W x 3' H and 4' of that is under the coop area and closed in on 3 sides. Can I get 6 americauna hens and 1 rooster into that area? Some say 2sqft per bird others say 4 but I understand this also has something to do with the run area. And how many nest?

Sorry for the dumb questions.

Ed.

 

[silkiechicken]

Well, the common recomendation for standard sized hens is 4 sqft inside space and 10 sq feet outside space per hen. You could probably stuff 6 in there if they are never locked into the coop part of the cage, no problem. One, two nests, is about all you'll need. You'll find most chickens will all share one nest spot... I have 10 of laying age... and they ALL lay in the same nest spot... even though they have 4 options.