Nesting box dimensions. Help?

[Gwendolyn]

We are starting to design our hen house and are wondering what the dimensions of the nesting boxes should be. There are alot of opinions as to how many hens to a nesting box. I currently have 6 chicks that are hopefully all hens. So I would only need 2 boxes? But then again, if all goes well, I hope to expand and add more to my flock later. What is the general rule of thumb for hen:nesting box? I have looked at alot of designs but haven't found any that work exactly for us. So we are designing our own and looking for information. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ridgerunner]

You did not mention breeds so I will assume full sized fowl, not bantams. The regular suggestion is one individual-sized nesting box for four laying hens. A 12" cube is the minimum size I would go with for an individual nesting box. I made mine 16" x 16" x 16". They work fine and you can see my breeds in my signature. I have 2 nests for 7 hens. It is enough.

A community nesting box is also an option. This link may help more with that than anything I could type.

Community Nesting Boxes
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=173767

One reason you find so much conflicting advice is that almost anything will work. I'll include a photo of mine, for what that is worth.

One thing I'll mention. I made mine so I could get to them from the back, thinking I'd gather the eggs that way. I never have. It made my building a little more complicated, a bit more expensive due to the hardware, and is not used. If I had to do it again, I would not include that feature.

The area between my nesting boxes can be accessed from the back. I can keep a chicken in there if I need to isolate it to protect it from the rest, say if it is injured. I keep chickens in there to starve them for a day before butchering to clean out their digestive track. If I get a broody, I can lock her in the nest and put food and water in the middle section plus have enough room in there for her to go poo. This very predator-proof cage within the coop has come in quite handy a few times. It is a feature I recommend you consider.

 

[PeeperKeeper]

I don't think it is a "rocket science" question.

Hens will lay under a rock if they can squeeze under it. And some others love the guard dog's wide open hutch with the soft pillow.

Some want privacy and others seem to think egg laying is a social event.
Make your laying boxes "accessesible". And don't worry so much about exact sizing. Keep them clean and safe from predators. And hope your hens don't find an old piece of tin sheeting to lay under instead.
Just my opinion.

 

[gumpsgirl]

My boxes are a square 12 x 12 and my big Orp. hens fit in there nicely.

 

[Gwendolyn]

All great information! Thanks for the pictures. That helps alot. BTW, I have 2EE, 2 Rhode Island Reds and 2 Barred Rocks. Thanks everyone!

 

[gumpsgirl]

Pictures do help! That I understand and was the reason behind me including one.

Happy nesting box building!

 

[teach1rusl]

Mine are larger...probably 16 x 16"...and as you can see, when one girl couldn't hold her egg any longer, she squeezed in behind someone else to lay her egg....lol. I have the two boxes for 5 hens. If you plan on expanding down the road, go ahead with three boxes.