Nest boxes

[Pip Logan]

Hey guys I currentkly do not own any chickens but I will be soon hopefully. I want to build a couple nest boxes for them so that I can have eggs. What is the best dimensions for a nest box to be? Any help will be greatly apriciated!

 

[Lollipop]

Hi Pip, welcome to BYC. Nest boxes are usually around 12-16 inches square, depending on the size of the hens. Have fun with your preparations.........Pop

 

[Liamm_1]

I'm currently planning to install nest boxes for my pullets. I'm searching the threads here for the best nest box design, what is the best material for the floor of the nest boxes, wood or hardware cloth? I'm thinking about the cleaning aspect.
Also, what is the best bedding to use in the boxes? Currently, they all go to the highest roost at night, and sometimes during the day they will gather in the coop for warmth or hiding from hawks maybe. Will they use the nest boxes only for laying, or will they also use them for lounging around? will the roos use them at all? will they be pooping in them?

 

[bigoakhunter]

I can't answer all your questions, but here are a few:

They should not be pooping in them, ( an occasional time will happen)

Hardware cloth is NOT in my opinion the good floor material. Wood would be better.

Mine have wood floors. SOme put a soft rubber mat laid in over the wood.

I have never seen one of my roosters in a nestbox. Sometimes more than one hen, but no roos.

Slightly smaller is better than too big, as hens like some privacy while laying. Larger breeds may need up to 16 inch dimensions, but most breeds do just fine with a 12" x 12" in nest or 12' by 14".

As to materials, my hens like straw, but I don't use it much as it makes a good place for mites. A small bug. SO I use pine shavings/bedding.

Hope some of this helps,

I think on my BYC homepage their is a pic or two of exterior and interior of nestboxes.

Dave

 

[sunflowerenvy]

Quote:
I'm searching the threads here for the best nest box design, what is the best material for the floor of the nest boxes, wood or hardware cloth?
i have wood floor in nest box
what is the best bedding to use in the boxes?
and white/ yellow pine shaving about 2 inch think
1 nest box 16x16 /for 4 birds

Will they use the nest boxes only for laying, or will they also use them for lounging around?
if you have your nest boxes lower [12 to 18 inch from the floor] than your roost board [about 4 to 5 ft from the floor]. then u should have no problem. i have not have any yet

 

[BWKatz]

I use a covered kitty litter box with pinestraw in it.The advantages are easy to clean, easy to move a boody hen in & out of coop, easily duplicated for more than one box if needed, and ceep. I recented priced them new for 9.99.