Nest box size question

[frog522]

After using the search function, it seems like most of the questions asked at BYC have been asked and answered before...but I'd like to get some fresh opinions and advice from BYC guys and gals.

I have a partridge rock and a new hampshire red and have been planning to build two nest boxes 15"widthx15"lengthx15"height(sloped). Would this be an adequate size for each nest box?

Side question...I've been reading on the boards here that hens tend to prefer to lay in specific boxes and sometimes boxes won't get used at all. I also read somewhere plan to have 4 layers per box. So my mind is telling me that I should provide one box for each of my girls (only 2 girls total), but realistically if one of the boxes won't get used, should I even bother building it?

What do you think?? Build one or two nest boxes?

 

[casumm]

Go with one. It's easy to pic a fav if there is only one choice!

I'm only going with one for my 4 hens for now. I figure I can probably rig it up to add one later if they get territorial for some odd reason.

-c

 

[gryeyes]

I think it's always wise to have 2 nest boxes, even with only two pullets/hens. One may go broody in one of 'em, and then you have the spare. Also, they just might like their own nest box. You may be able, someday, to get a really cute photograph of your girls, each in a nest box next to the other.

OR, you could make one the size of two nest boxes and leave out the center divider, so it's a "community" nest box. Room for two, but cozy for snuggling.

 

[GermanChick]

If you have the space I would go with two next boxes, who knows maybe there are more chickens in your future

As for the size I think 15x15 is perfect. Mine are 12" wide, 15" high and 18" deep. 12x12 seems to be the standard but I think bigger is better