Nest box size for Austrolorp?

[One Lucky Momma]

Our 12x14x14 nest boxes were built for a mixed flock of RIR, Rocks, Sussex and Crevecoeur. Recently we adopted a Austrolorp/Araucana (I believe) mix who has just yesterday laid her first egg. For the blessed event she chose the middle of the coop floor, within sight of but not in one of the established nest boxes. I suspect she was guided to this place by our rooster, Aegis ~ he frequently seems to have a hand in such decisions.

She is a huge bird, larger even that the Dominique Aegis, and I’m wondering if we should add a more spacious nest box for her. Also, the existing boxes are five sided with a 5” front lip. Would the Austrolorp (Bertie ) be most comfortable in the same configuration, as opposed to an open box? I’d prefer not to create new roosting spots.

Many thanks. We never thought we‘d have any of this breed and I’m afraid I don’t know much about them, but I’m honestly pretty thrilled to have her. She was one of two survivors when the neighbor’s flock was found by bobcats a couple of months ago.

 

[Sally PB]

Can you post pictures of your nest box and chicken? That will help us see the issue at hand and offer better advice.

 

[bruceha2000]

Sorry about your neighbor's bobcat attack. I assume your setup is more secure because the bobcat will find your birds easily enough.

My nesting boxes are the same size as yours and my Australorps fit fine. One of them was probably almost as big as a Black Jersey Giant hen. I think some birds just follow the beat of a different drummer. Since she is new to your flock maybe she'll figure out the nest box thing soon enough.

 

[3KillerBs]

My Australorps and some even larger Brahmas have laid just fine in a 12x12x12 box.

Do you have decoy eggs in the boxes to help her figure out where the good place is?

 

[fuentemoon]

Were the other boxes occupied at the time? One of mine will occasionally lay in the middle of the coop or build a next outside somewhere. Usually outside nests happen if one of the others is bugging her when she wants to lay.