# nest boxes

[farrier!]

I am starting with what I am hoping will be 25 layers. We may expand to 50 tops.
I just purchased some used next boxes. One with 10 holes, the other with 8.
Should I put both up?

Also what works best for everyone for nest material?

 

[kick'n chick'n]

just use 1 the rule of thumb is 1 nest for 4-5 hens. i use hay in mine.

 

[Mahonri]

I have 14 laying hens.

I have 7 nest boxes.

They use 3. The other 4 almost never get used.

On days when I get 10 eggs there will be 2 in one, 2 in another and 6 in the dark corner nest.

 

[jenjscott]

I like to put wood shavings in mine, they tend to kick the hay out. Or try some of both and see which one you like. 1 nest t 4 or 5 hens sounds good, but they're all going to want to use the same one anyway

 

[ams3651]

i only have 5 hens but I usually find 4 eggs in one and 1 in the other. I have 2 nests. You can even hear the girl in line squawking at the one laying to hurry it up. I use shaving too, easy to clean out and if they kick some out I can just throw in another hand full.

 

[Bigboy's Chicks]

I have 16 Hens and 4 nest boxes. And they use only 1, they sit on top of each other and just look around while laying their egg. Very interesting to watch.
I use wood chips in the nest boxes and clean them about every other week they keep them pretty clean