Nest box sizes

[ksguy]

Hi - I know, another nest box size question.

I'm retrofitting an existing shed to be a chicken coop. Right now we have 4, 13 week old pullets. Based on the layout of my space (I'm using half of an 8x12 shed, so the birds get 8x6), my layout is sort of limited. I'm making exterior accessible nest boxes, so I'll be opening up a wall. The studs are standard 16" on center, and the wall it's going on I've only got 3 studs - one at the corner, one at the door jamb, and one centered between those. So I'm working with a framed opening that ends up being 30.5" wide if I remove that middle stud. I can do any height or depth I want.

So, my question is, should I do 3 boxes that are 10" wide, or 2 that are 15" wide?

For size reference, right now I have 1 Buff Orpington pullet and 3 Easter Egger pullets. We will be keeping a rooster around, so if one of our girls eventually goes broody, we'll probably go ahead and hatch some eggs to expand our group up to 8 girls. If nobody goes broody we'll just buy more, because chicken math!

 

[MKUrbanGardener]

I would go with the 2 15'' wide boxes; I've read that 1 nest box can be used for 2-4 laying hens at a time (not all at once of course, however I've seen that they sometimes like to "share" the same nest at the same time, so the extra space might be appreciated just in case that happens!). I personally like for the nests to be more roomy, especially in the case of letting them hatch chicks, so that the hens can be a bit less cramped and more comfortable.

 

[cavemanrich]

At least you are an honest realist to admit to chicken math. My suggestion or opinion is that the 15 inch box allows the chicken to enter and turn around in the box. This way they are facing out when laying.. Chickens will go into a box and lay backwards and back out. ( like out of a narrow box.) but hey will not enter a narrow box backwards.. In the process of exiting backwards, there is a chance of egg being broken. I think 2 boxes will handle 8 chickens when just laying. If you are going to have a broody one sitting in a nest, then more nests would be desired. From what I am imagining, With the coop size, you have,, more nesting boxes should be possible.

WISHING YOU BEST.

 

[ksguy]

At least you are an honest realist to admit to chicken math. My suggestion or opinion is that the 15 inch box allows the chicken to enter and turn around in the box. This way they are facing out when laying.. Chickens will go into a box and lay backwards and back out. ( like out of a narrow box.) but hey will not enter a narrow box backwards.. In the process of exiting backwards, there is a chance of egg being broken. I think 2 boxes will handle 8 chickens when just laying. If you are going to have a broody one sitting in a nest, then more nests would be desired. From what I am imagining, With the coop size, you have,, more nesting boxes should be possible.

WISHING YOU BEST.

Thank you for the info - very helpful. Hadn't thought about the need for an extra one if somebody goes broody.

While I probably won't be adding any more through-wall nest boxes, one or two more inside the coop won't be a problem - there will be space below the roost bars and poop board to set something up if I want (roost bar is 54" from floor). That said, if somebody goes broody, is it feasible to move them? Our winters can get down to -15 some nights during the bitter cold winter months, and I'm wondering if somebody is trying to hatch if I shouldn't try to put her in something entirely inside the coop rather in the through-wall nest boxes just for warmth purposes.

 

[cavemanrich]

TRY TO DO YOUR HATCHING DURING SPRING AND SUMMER. Hatching naturally during colder weather can become challenging. Your results may be less than desired. If one goes broody during time when you do not want her to be... Just keep taking away the eggs from under her. Eventually broodiness passes and will return another time.. There are many threads related to broodiness. Read up on these to inform self how to handle best..
It is feasible to move a broody hen into nest that is ideally situated for her.. No problems.. The more secluded , the better.