Need a quick answer about nest boxes, please!

[SparksNV]

DH will be working on the coop solo tomorrow - I have a used cabinet I want to utilize for a nesting box, however, it is 11-1/4" high and 28" wide - I bought it when I was only going to have 4-5 hens - well, now I have 7 pullets on hold for pickup next week - will this be big enough for 7? or should we build a second nesting box & can we put it under the first one, ie stack it?

Thanks!

 

[emys]

Just put a divider in the middle. Four hens per nest box is the general rule. You'll be fine.

 

[atimme]

Every hen does not need a nest box. With 7 chooks you should be ok with 3-4. If you divide the 28" four ways you'll need divisions every 7", plenty wide for a big hen to be very comfortable. Sounds like a great find and a good project!

 

[OrloffTom]

From my reading it's usually any where from 3-5 hens per box. So, you may need to come up with one more. I think my boxes are close to being 12X12 but I can't exactly remember.
EDIT: I agree with the previous posters divide the box and it would be fine.

 

[SparksNV]

Thanks guys! I think we will just stick with the one cabinet - I actually didn't buy it (like I posted) I found it on the curb with a sign that said "FREE" - can't go wrong there! If we need another nesting box, we can add one inside I guess..

 

[Nohoka]

My boxes are 12x12. You will want to devide the big box up into smaller boxes. If you give them too much room they may scratch around and damage the eggs.

 

[peterlund]

I have 16 girls, and 8 nesting boxes. HOWEVER.... the ladies use only TWO of them. They are 12 x 12 and I sometimes find two (or even three) in a box. You will be fine.

 

[emrys]

Leave the piece undivided and have a big old community nest. I sometimes have two hens trying to squeeze into one box. One big nest would be nice.

 

[mgw]

I think you have plenty of space for 7 hens. No worries!!

 

[jbowen9]

That will be plenty of room they will all probably choose one nest to lay in and no doubt all at the same time. I have 2 roll away nest boxes 4 holes each and they use usually 2 holes for 12 hens and 1 hold per nest box.