Nest boxes

[Ladybluearm]

I need some info on nest boxes. How big do they need to be and how many do I need. I currently have 7 young hens.They won’t start laying for a couple months. Thanks!

 

[snow5164]

We made ours 8x8x8... we did have one 12x10 and they piled on 3 at a time , cute as it was we had a few scrambled eggs

Make sure to have a lip for bedding stays in , and a curtain . I lay material across all the boxes , staple it on then cut a slit at each box in the middle.

I have 5 boxes for 8 birds and they use them all , and 5 boxes for 14 and they use 3 maybe 4.

Don’t try too hard to figure them out they are like women,
Very complicated ( I can say that as I am one )

 

[rosemarythyme]

Assuming you have standard size hens, minimum 12" cubed. I personally think that's on the small side even though most commercial boxes are that size, so mine are 14.5" cubed - gives them plenty of space to turn around. You'll want one box per 3 to 4 hens, don't be surprised if they all want to squeeze into the same box.

 

[Well Seasoned]

We made ours 8x8x8... we did have one 12x10 and they piled on 3 at a time , cute as it was we had a few scrambled eggs

Make sure to have a lip for bedding stays in , and a curtain . I lay material across all the boxes , staple it on then cut a slit at each box in the middle.

I have 5 boxes for 8 birds and they use them all , and 5 boxes for 14 and they use 3 maybe 4.

Don’t try too hard to figure them out they are like women,
Very complicated ( I can say that as I am one )

What kind of material do you use for a curtain?

 

[chickengeorgeto]

12X12X18 is good especially for a nest intended to hatch chicks.

If all you want is an egg salad then a 12X12X12 will do.

A stand alone nest that can be set on the ground is best to hatch chicks in while an elevated nest is easier on the backs of geezers and other seasoned chicken keepers.

 

[Ladybluearm]

Thanks for the input, I think building them a bit bigger is the way we will go, I’m guessing the curtain is for darkness?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Curtains are optional - I don't use them and haven't had any issues, but if you're having problems getting your birds to use the box, adding curtains might change their mind by giving them an added sense of security.

 

[aart]

I like 14x14x16...did you know that they stand up when the egg is actually emerging from the vent?

They need to feel 'safe'...curtains might help that, but think they are more for the keepers than the chickens.
They don't necessarily need 'dark' either.
ETA:I emulated the old metal round hole nest banks, because I like they way they look(childhood memory), but I also think the round entrances help with a more cave like feeling of 'safety'.

Fake eggs can help draw them to the nest, if another bird laid an egg-it must be safe here. They can also 'spread the love' by deterring them from all wanting to use the same nest.

Deep(4-6") front lip to hold eggs and bedding in, especially when they first start laying they will tear the nest up until they figure things out.

 

[Flower84]

I like 14x14x16...did you know that they stand up when the egg is actually emerging from the vent?

They need to feel 'safe'...curtains might help that, but think they are more for the keepers than the chickens.
They don't necessarily need 'dark' either.

Fake eggs can help draw them to the nest, if another bird laid an egg-it must be safe here. They can also 'spread the love' by deterring them from all wanting to use the same nest.

Deep(4-6") front lip to hold eggs and bedding in, especially when they first start laying they will tear the nest up until they figure things out.

Those are really nice boxes! I like that you put hinges on them for easy cleaning, I'm always scooping out straw, thanks for photo!

 

[aart]

Those are really nice boxes! I like that you put hinges on them for easy cleaning, I'm always scooping out straw, thanks for photo!

Those hinges you see are for the nest cover,
egg gathering and nest cleaning happens via a hinged opening in back.
Look here for more pics:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/albums/nests.7427682/