Nest box question

[Kayla's Lunch]

I need to make the nest boxes for my eleven 14 week old pullets. They will be built onto the coop and we will access the eggs outside. My question is this: The area I have is 36.5" high and 32" wide. So, can I have just 2 nest boxes side by side that are each about 16" wide or a 2 x 2 nest box area that has 4 nests, 2 below and 2 above. Also, should they all be 16" wide to use up the 32" I have in that area, or should one nest be 12" and the other 20" or some other dimensions? And should I use the entire height and make the nest boxes 18" high or is that too high and won't be cozy enough for the chickens to feel safe and private. Last question: What is the best depth for nest boxes. I have LF like BO, BR, EE, etc. Thanks!

 

[Melky]

Not that I have made my own but generally speaking an 11” square box is a recommended size and need 1 for every two hens. I have been looking at general guidelines lately because considering building new coop and run.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I personally feel 11" cube is too small for standards. If you have room to make 'em bigger, might as well, mine are 14.5" cubed (though the roof slants up, so about 22" tall in rear).

 

[PetesChicks]

I’d do the 2x2, it’s more than you will need but gives them the choice of higher or lower. Go 16” wide, they will appreciate the extra room. Especially if they decide to crowd in a favorite nest while another is still in there. I’d also make them tall, since you have the room, because they stand up to lay the egg.

Just make sure that the roost is higher than the nesting boxes, so they don’t start sleeping and pooping in the boxes.

Also, a perch in front of the boxes is a good idea, so they have something to land on when they fly up, and then they can hop into the box.

 

[Kayla's Lunch]

Thanks for all the replies! The roosts are definitely higher than the nest boxes. I will put a perch in front of the nest boxes. If I do the 2 nest boxes above 2 nest boxes, do I need to put perches in front of each level or just the lower nest boxes. They would then have to fly up about 18" to the higher nest boxes.

 

[aart]

do I need to put perches in front of each level or just the lower nest boxes.

If the lower nests are less than about 8" off the floor,
they don't need a perch,
the upper nests probably would tho.

 

[Kayla's Lunch]

If the lower nests are less than about 8" off the floor,
they don't need a perch,
the upper nests probably would tho.

Thanks for the advice. We can make it that way!