How much of a lip on nest boxes?

Knock Kneed Hen · Jul 30, 2010

I made my nest boxes and installed them today. They are a foot off the ground and measure 14 x 14. Two sit directly under the poop board. I wanted to put a lip across the front to keep some shavings in but I worry that when they jump up to get into the box they won't have enough head room to jump up and over a lip. So do I need a perch? My girls are coming up on 20 weeks. Should I go ahead and open the boxes to them now or wait for the first egg to be layed? Thanks!

edited for multiple spelling and grammar errors....this chick is tired! I hope I have some answers in the morning. I'm anxious to get 'er done!

lavacaw · Jul 30, 2010

My boxes are only 12x12 for full sized hens. They have a 1x4 across the front to hold in shavings and have no problem at all getting into the boxes.

sunflowerenvy · Jul 30, 2010

i have my next boxes 14x14 with 1x4 broad in front to keep the shaving inside

al6517 · Jul 30, 2010

14x14 is plenty big and they will have no problem getting in and out plus they like it cozy in there. a 3" lip should be fine and 4" even better, so put on a lip and a perch so they can walk by each one to inspect the best one to lay in.

AL

teach1rusl · Jul 30, 2010

Ha! Everyone has a 4 inch lip it seems (me too). I'd not only open them up, I'd stick golf balls in each one and let them go to town exploring where THEIR eggs will soon go.