Nest box size for standard chickens?

[SpringChickens]

We just have EEs and Australorps, so we should be fine. That was a good point though; we may want larger birds someday.

 

[Fowl Visions]

I thought 12x12 was standard. I have some old nesting boxes found on a property we bought and they are of that same size. On my blog I recently wrote a post about other items you can use for nesting boxes and they come in an assortment of sizes: Homemade Nest Boxes for Chickens. Perhaps one of these suggestions may suit your needs better.

 

[Dr.Doorlock]

One more idea. Take a look at the boxes I made. I can raid the eggs without going in the coop. They can be removed for easy cleaning. Somewhere, I posted some instructions.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

12x12x14 is what I use I have never had a hen lay anywhere but the nest box. Be sure it's about 18 - 20 inches off the ground and that the roosts are higher then the nest boxes

 

[Henrik Petersson]

Quote:
Why does it have to be off the ground?

 

[waynesgarden]

Quote:
Why does it have to be off the ground?

Nests don't have to be off the ground, but often helps in keeping the nests clean. It also lets chickens utilize the floor space below if they are high enough to walk under.

Others may have more reasons, but my first coop had floor-level nests and the birds didn't mind.

Wayne

 

[jvls1942]

I like mine off the ground because I do not want to get on my hands and knees to collect the eggs..

now I have a question.. I am building 12 nests with pull out drawers to make collecting eggs easier and so I can remove the drawer for cleaning..

how deep should I make the drawers? I am thinking 2 1/2 inches deep ??

I want to start building them in the next hour so a quick answer will be appreciated..

any ideas??

thanx

 

[Raleigh]

I'm building my first coop. I have 3 boxes that are 12"W x 14"deep. They are 17" tall at the high part and about 12" at the rear of the slope.

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
LOL I just realized I was looking at the rear of your nests.. I kept thinking, how are you going to clean those deep boxes?? You must live in a warm part of the country.. I like the idea of having the nests hanging outside like yours, but here in wisc the eggs would freeze in the winter time, I think..

I made my removeable drawers 3 1/2 inches deep, BTW..

 

[line-rat]

I made some nice nest boxes for my girls. They tried them for afew months. then they started laying in a corner of the coop. they may go back to the nest boxes. they are at or near floor level. they pretty much are going to do what they want.