nest box size

[DebinCR]

I have 3 large pullets that are 4.5 months old. It looks like my 12x12 nest boxes for my smaller hens won't be big enough for these girls. What's a good size for these large breeds? I don't know the breed; here in Costa Rica I just ordered laying hens from my small-town local supplier, and my Spanish isn't that great...

 

[DobieLover]

My boxes are 12x14x16"H to give space for a thick layer of nesting material and enough room for the hen to stand when the egg is expelled. I have a Cuckoo Marans who is pushing 7 pounds and she fits fine.

 

[3KillerBs]

My Brahma girls in my in-town flock did fine with 12" boxes, but if you have room to go up to 14" the big girls might appreciate it.

 

[CanadaEh]

I am using 12" x 24". It fits 1-4 hens (leghorn and crosses). Half of the entrance is covered with feed bag curtain for privacy.

 

[rosemarythyme]

12" cubed should be fine for standard sized birds. I went bigger, 14.5" cubes (actual interior measurement) simply because it fit the available space I had and required the least amount of cuts to the plywood sheets I was using.

 

[DebinCR]

My boxes are 12x14x16"H to give space for a thick layer of nesting material and enough room for the hen to stand when the egg is expelled. I have a Cuckoo Marans who is pushing 7 pounds and she fits fine.

Thanks!

I am using 12" x 24". It fits 1-4 hens (leghorn and crosses). Half of the entrance is covered with feed bag curtain for privacy.

Good idea, thanks!

 

[DebinCR]

12" cubed should be fine for standard sized birds. I went bigger, 14.5" cubes (actual interior measurement) simply because it fit the available space I had and required the least amount of cuts to the plywood sheets I was using.

I'll try one of these, thanks.

 

[aart]

Mine are 14x14x16.

Construction drawings and more pics here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/albums/nests.7427682/