Nesting box design input please

[Shugercube]

Hey all! So I have built a nesting box frame, and I’m trying to decide the best way to arrange the dividers to get the most use out of the space. I’m kind of winging it just using what I have been able to get my hands on materials-wise. I don’t have a lot of tools so I’m basically using whatever lengths I have already. The inside dimensions of the box are 48.5”x 29.025” (so roughly 4ft x 2 1/2ft). Back of box is 16” tall, front is 24”.

I drew this sketch (using an exact ratio) of how I’m thinking of arranging it. Each square represents 1 square inch. This is the view from the top, including where the 2x2 corner posts are, since they’ll take up some space. Each section would be at least 10” wide and 12” deep. I guess my main issue with this layout is that there would only be about 5” of space for hens to get into/out of the two back corner boxes. Is that enough space for them to maneuver in and out? I plan on angling the dividers down towards the front, so while they would be 5” apart end to end, they’ll only be about 1or 2” tall where they’re closest to each other.

Would love thoughts and opinions on this. Too crowded?

 

[Kiki]

Are you aware that you do not have to make separate sections for a nest box that you could just make it one area and it would work just fine?

 

[Shugercube]

Are you aware that you do not have to make separate sections for a nest box that you could just make it one area and it would work just fine?

I’ve honestly read mixed things! Lol. From what I’ve heard, it seems it really just depends on your hens and how well they get along, and whether they feel secure in the nesting area or not. Mine aren’t old enough to lay yet, so I have no idea what to expect with that.

 

[3KillerBs]

How many hens do you have?

You only need 1 box for every 4 hens or so.

10" wide is pretty tight. 12" is standard and some people with larger breed girls give them 14" or even 16".

 

[Shugercube]

They’re all chicks/pullets right now, so I’m not sure how many I’ll end up with. I have 13 total, one confirmed roo, and one Sebright I’m not 100% on but thinking roo. 6 still too young to tell. I have 18 eggs in the incubator also, but obviously no way to even begin to guess what or how many I’ll end up with. I do have a mix of bantam and full size breeds, but none of the extra large breeds, like no JG or anything. The prefab boxes at TSC are 11” wide, so I was thinking 10 wouldn’t be too much different for a smaller breed, but again that’s why I’m asking the more experienced folks before I decide on anything!

ETA The 4 boxes along the back are all at least 11.5”. I allowed for 1” of divider between each as well, but I’m more than likely only going to be using 1/4” plywood. So if my math is correct, there should be a smidge more than 12” per box 1-4, and 11ish for boxes 5&6.

 

[aart]

I guess my main issue with this layout is that there would only be about 5” of space for hens to get into/out of the two back corner boxes. Is that enough space for them to maneuver in and out?

No.

 

[Iluveggers]

You could just use the back 4 boxes. That should be enough for 20 or so chickens. Or make something like this:

 

[perkolator]

I overthought my nest boxes and made six total - three inside the coop and three inside the run. When we had 23 laying hens, they'd only use like two of them at most. I think my boxes are something like 14"x16". Sometimes I'd even find two hens inside one box trying to lay and a 3rd standing right there waiting to get in when there were two empty boxes right next to it, lol. Currently we're using our coop as a brooder and the older girls are restricted to the run where they preferred to sleep anyway - kinda glad I set things up with two nest areas for more options as it's helping our current situation with the brooder.

For the setup in question, I'd probably leave it as one big box, or just divide into 2-3 (which could also be done later)

BTW I'll mention I made my nest boxes enclosed to my structure and fully removable as a single box with dividers, specifically for ease in cleaning things out. Our old coop was the typical exterior nest boxes with the hinged lid and dividers - it sucked for cleaning out because you had to reach in and scoop with something; also the hinged lid always leaked water from water running down the hinged wall and got the bedding wet inside.

 

[Shugercube]

BTW I'll mention I made my nest boxes enclosed to my structure and fully removable as a single box with dividers, specifically for ease in cleaning things out.

Would you happen to have a picture or two of this?? I’m still moving things around and deciding how I like it before I nail anything down. This sounds like it would be easier in the long run but I’m not sure how to picture it in my head.

 

[perkolator]

Would you happen to have a picture or two of this?? I’m still moving things around and deciding how I like it before I nail anything down. This sounds like it would be easier in the long run but I’m not sure how to picture it in my head.

lots of pics in my coop build page but here's two. Each nesting area comes out as one unit for cleaning, they just slide into place. One is located inside the coop, the other underneath the coop
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