Nest boxes

[jadell]

I was just wondering how big I need to build my boxes and how high off the ground they need to be. I have Austrolarps and Black Giants. . .big girls!! Nest boxes that is.

 

[Beekissed]

For the big girls I would say no smaller than a square foot, even slightly larger. I have the galvanized nest boxes and they are a square foot for each nest. My lowest nests are about 1 to 2 ft. off the floor. I've noticed the chickens tend to stick to the lower nests but I expect, when I get more layers, the upper row will get more use.

 

[lisamarie]

I was going to post a similar question. mine ended up being about 18 inches wide but only 9 1/2 feet tall. is that too small? i also have big birds.
thanks!

 

[Dilly]

Quote:
Well if your chickens were of the Jolly Green Giant breed then I guess they will be fine. I think you meant inches. lol Just laughing with you here.

Dilly

 

[lisamarie]

oops! yes, i meant inches! actually, just figured out a way to make the box a bit bigger so now it's about 14 inches high.

lisa

 

[jadell]

Quote:
Have to say I got a little laugh myself. Thanks for the info.

How tall do the boxes need to be?

 

[SoccerMomof7]

I will have big birds and we were going to make them 12 x 12 (inches) but now I need to talk to DH about makeing them bigger???

 

[Linda in San Diego]

Ours are 12x12x14, but the Delightful Dozen are only 5.5 weeks old, so we are yet to see!

 

[rooster-red]

Nest boxes need to be lower than your roosts or they will sleep in the nest boxes and poop them up, then you get poopy eggs!

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

POOPY EGGS! Oh no...I think I better lower mine..they are about the same height as the lowest roost! I don't want poopy eggs!