nest boxes

[jeffs1979]

How many nest boxes do I need for 20 hens????

 

[Judy]

The usual rule of thumb is one for 4 hens, so 5 nest boxes -- but I'll bet they will only use two or three, and still lay somewhere else now and then.

 

[LindaB220]

How many nest boxes do I need for 20 hens????

Happy to have you. I have 14 hens that will start laying shortly. They say to have one for every 4-5 chickens. But they usually only use the same one. What I'm doing is making two community boxes. 2' x 3' each. They will each hold 3 at least at a time. Cover with cloth for privacy if you can. Good luck

 

[jeffs1979]

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking about 5, so that will work out. This site is great. I learned so much before my chicks arrived this spring.

 

[KeepOnClucking]

4-6 hens tend to use each of my nesting boxes and once they are accustomed to using one they will wait in line to lay in the spot that they like.

 

[jeffs1979]

I think my chickens are drama queens. I put a new stainless bowl in their coop today and they acted like I put a fox in there. They stayed at the far end for over an hour until I tilted the bowl up and showed them the food inside. And the young rooster hid behind the hens.

 

[LindaB220]

I think my chickens are drama queens. I put a new stainless bowl in their coop today and they acted like a put a fox in there. They stayed at the far end for over an hour until I tilted the bowl up and showed them the food inside. And the young rooster hid behind the hens.

Bahahahaha Too funny. Your hero.

 

[kingsfarm]

I have 8 nest boxes for 27 hens that lay... 19 are laying at the moment for diff. reasons and they usually use only 3 (the same 3) nest... when one decides to go broody they will change tactics..
(I think) one decides and they follow suit..so funny...good luck..and enjoy

 

[jeffs1979]

I am completing their new coop today and moving them from their brooder pen to the coop, so if a new bowl scared them this much they will probably have a heart attack when I move them to their new coop. LOL

 

[estamets]

I'm tacking onto this question:
I have 6 pullets, 10-12 weeks old. Two nesting boxes, which have been closed off since I moved them I to the coop, to make sure they didn't sleep in there.
At what point should I open the nesting boxes to them?