Nest size. Need some help.

Feb 20, 2021
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Argentina
Hi folks. Grew up in a temperate climate. never made a nest at all, they made their nests. Never had a predator problem we could not handle with a chain link fence.

So I strarted a project for a chicken tractor, what I call a chicken bus or what my friend calls a chicken tiger tank.

My problem is that I have no clue what is the ideal size for a nest box. I have a top floor section that provides three feet in width and four feet in length.

I hope to hold three hens but do not want them to feel cramped.

As you see my first pic, the base boards are where I plan to make my nests. the level device is merely holding up a wall to the outside. That upper area will eventually be fully enclosed by wood walls with a roof on top. The base area next to the planned nest area will be covered with a fine chicken mesh that they can walk on.

I would love advice on how big the nests should be.
 

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With three hens... you only need 1 nest.

In my little tractor I do NOT have a nestbox. They just lay in a corner of the coop part. Works fine.
Thank you for your reply. I am a total noob on the tractor thing. Any help would be welcome.

How many hens could live there without getting on each others nerves?
 
A 3x4 coop part should technically hold 3 chickens max...

BUT, if this is a coop just for good weather, AND you move it often then you can manage to put more in.

You will need to have access to under the coop area to put the feed and water so that the feed does not get wet in the rain.

I have a tractor coop that is 3x4, but the run is bigger than yours, I think 4 x10.

I can successfully squeeze 6 chickens in there without any issues.

BUT it has to be moved often... fresh grass is a great distraction.

Harsh weather that keeps chickens in the coop area for more than a day or 2... and your max amount of chickens for that coop should be two.

My chickens have a big coop and greenhouse for the winter...
 
I am not sure a chicken wire bottom is needed. They will need to scratch and peck the grass they will be on all day. A wire bottom will be very hard on their feet and prevent them from accessing the grass. Would others please chime in on this?
 
Is that square the whole thing or is it just going to be the coop? Will they be shut up in it during the day or free to roam?

If that is the coop and run, that's only enough space for one bird without them eating each other.
 

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