Nest boxes?

[lereg]

Ok. Here's my dilemma/ question. I have 22 hens, and want to know if anyone would think 5 nest boxes would work, or should I find a place to put another one?

 

[3KillerBs]

The usual rule is to have 1 nestbox for every 4 hens -- but people often find that all the birds lay in the same box anyway.

You can try what you've got and see if you get any problems with eggs not in the box, broken eggs, etc..

 

[lereg]

The usual rule is to have 1 nestbox for every 4 hens -- but people often find that all the birds lay in the same box anyway.

You can try what you've got and see if you get any problems with eggs not in the box, broken eggs, etc..

Thanks! I've read that, but not sure on 2 extra.

 

[blackdog043]

I have 5 nest boxes and had as many as 26 layers using them without a problem. Very seldom did I ever have eggs in every box, usually 3 boxes had eggs.

 

[lereg]

I have 5 nest boxes and had as many as 26 layers using them without a problem. Very seldom did I ever have eggs in every box, usually 3 boxes had eggs.

Thank you!

 

[aart]

I've had 22 using 4 nests.
I do have 1 fake egg in each nest, which reduces but does not eliminate occasional traffic jams and squabbles.

 

[Cazook]

one per 3-5 hens is a good guide.

mine just all pile in the same nesting box regardless of how many there are, though.

 

[lereg]

Thanks guys!!

 

[Namaste Nona]

I've had 22 using 4 nests.
I do have 1 fake egg in each nest, which reduces but does not eliminate occasional traffic jams and squabbles.

Hum ... why do you put a fake egg in each nest? I don't understand how it eliminates the traffic jam or squabbles?

 

[45lk9p459gm-w]

Hum ... why do you put a fake egg in each nest?

So the hens will know it's a nest ......