How tall should my nesting boxes be from the ground?

[Fatherdowling]

I'm getting ready to build my coop, but I need to know if my nesting boxes can be 8 - 12 inches off the ground, or should they be higher? And can my roosting bars be 12 - 18 inches off the ground?

 

[Perris]

They could be lower. Mine are no more than a couple of inches off the ground, and the roosting bars a couple more. The lower they are, the less stress there is on the feet and joints when the bird jumps down.
Also, do you plan to keep a broody and/or let one hatch chicks in there? If so, you might want to think about it from a chick's perspective.

 

[chickens really]

Mine are a foot off the ground.

 

[mixedUPturk]

Mine are on the geound because like perris said i have broody type hens hatching eggs for me

 

[chickens really]

Mine are on the geound because like perris said i have broody type hens hatching eggs for me

This is another topic but if you have Broody Hens setting and hatching in the flock the chances are high the others will kill the peeping Chicks as they hatch.

 

[21hens-incharge]

A lot depends on how tall your coop is.

Mine are walk in coops. Nest boxes are a couple inches off the ground with a second level at 18" off the ground.
My roosts are at 24" off the ground.

 

[mixedUPturk]

This is another topic but if you have Broody Hens setting and hatching in the flock the chances are high the others will kill the peeping Chicks as they hatch.

Im seasoned and havent ever had anyone bombard my mama hens to kill her chicks. If you do then it sounds like someone is an aggressor and needs to go to freezer camp.

 

[chickens really]

Im seasoned and havent ever had anyone bombard my mama hens to kill her chicks. If you do then it sounds like someone is an aggressor and needs to go to freezer camp.

I never hatch mine within the flock. I haven't taken the chance. I reintroduce once Chicks are up and running. I only replied because it happens. I'm glad you have success.

 

[meglynnie]

I'm in process of compiling coop plans and what I have read has been nesting boxes 18"-24" off ground, I suppose that it depends and I am interested to hear others opinions.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I'm in process of compiling coop plans and what I have read has been nesting boxes 18"-24" off ground, I suppose that it depends and I am interested to hear others opinions.

I can say with confidence that my hens prefer the bottom nest boxes.

An important thing is to have the best boxes lower than the roosts.