Nest boxes

[duckman14]

Is 4 boxes enough for 5 hens or should I add another?

 

[MoonShadows]

It's plenty. You only need 1 box for every 4-5 hens.

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

4 nest boxes are plenty for 5 hens. They will generally pick a favorite anyway. A good rule of thumb is 3-4 hens per 1 nest box.

Good luck!

 

[This_chicks_place]

4 is plenty. I have had 8 hens with only two boxes and they choose to all only lay in one. Silly chickens!

 

[duckman14]

Good to know. Thanks. Could I actualy remove a couple or just leave them?

 

[JuniorMint]

Hijacking the thread because I haven't seen the answer elsewhere yet. How big (or small) should the nesting boxes be? I'm currently building some that are only about 10 inches high and it seems like they will be too small.

 

[Alaskan]

In my experience I think variety is best. Do a small one, a medium sized one, a large one and a community nest one.

Silly chickens are kind of picky as to nests.... If you don't please them with the right nest boxes they will lay in the oddest places.