Nest Box or Boxes

[jthornton]

I'm thinking of just having one nest area in the coop with 1x3 across the front to keep the bedding in. Anyone have some thoughts on this or experience. It would only take a few seconds to slide the divider you see in the top compartment into the bottom.

JT

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

One big box would cause chaos here. My hens bicker about nest usage at times. I know others use one big area, so I would be interested in hearing how it goes for others too.

 

[Ohmyheart]

i have 5 boxes and they tend to prefer 3 spots. Most of the girls do not like to share box and will complain loudly till the other one is out of her spot.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I have one community box, 42" wide for 7 hens. sometimes 3 at a time will be in there. It has two openings with curtains. Its also a rollout with no nesting material.
Works fine for us

Gary

 

[coach723]

My experience is similar to posts #2 and #3. I will occasionally have a couple of hens share a box, but that is the exception, and I think it's more about being stubborn about giving it up than it is about wanting to share. Most prefer to have one to themselves and some can be pretty adamant about their space. There are favorite boxes and they will often wait for the one they want even though others are empty and available. No accounting for hen logic. It will be interesting to see how many use community boxes and how well it goes. Maybe if they've never known any other way its easier?

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

My experience is similar to posts #2 and #3. I will occasionally have a couple of hens share a box, but that is the exception, and I think it's more about being stubborn about giving it up than it is about wanting to share. Most prefer to have one to themselves and some can be pretty adamant about their space. There are favorite boxes and they will often wait for the one they want even though others are empty and available. No accounting for hen logic. It will be interesting to see how many use community boxes and how well it goes. Maybe if they've never known any other way its easier?

Thats the case here, always been one big box no nest material.

Gary

 

[gimmie birdies]

I have had just one big box before, and separate boxes as a choice, they like the cubby boxes, and the big box stayed empty.

 

[jthornton]

I have one community box, 42" wide for 7 hens. sometimes 3 at a time will be in there. It has two openings with curtains. Its also a rollout with no nesting material.
Works fine for us

Gary

Do you have a photo of your setup?

JT

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Do you have a photo of your setup?

JT

I will take one when it gets light out.

Gary

 

[theoldchick]

Interesting idea. I tried something similar and my hens preferred an individual box-but they were raised with individual boxes. I wonder, though, if they grew up with a more open nest box if they would be more apt to stay with a more open next box?