Nesting box-Does it have to have dividers? When should I open it to m

[wrldlygrrl]

I have an 8x8 coop with a raised nesting box, a ladder to walk up, a gap to fly over to the nesting box, but no dividers in the nesting box. It's nice and dark in there, with no windows, but great ventilation from top. Do I need to have dividers? When do I open it (storing extra straw and feed there, as my flock is 14 weeks old) for business? Thanks!

 

[Baymen Moe]

A community nest can work fine depending on your flock size. I'd wait 2 weeks then open up for business. Good luck.

 

[wrldlygrrl]

I have 9: 5 EE, 1 bantam Cochin, 1 leghorn and 2 frizzles... a few still to be determined on gender...if they are...will the roos go into the box for any reason...that is, before they are given away? Also, I have cut branches as roosts crossing one corner of the coop...I see lots about putting a board underneath them...is that necessary? Grateful for your wisdom!

 

[Baymen Moe]

The roos may go in the nest box to roost unless the roosts are higher than the nest box (which they should be). The board under the roosts is to catch droppings. Depending on how you want to manage the poo will determine whether you want a droppings board. I have then under my roosts and they are a blessing when it comes to cleaning up daily.

 

[Bengalcats1]

I am going to Put dividers in cause all my hens are egg thieves and roll each others eggs in their nest , so I dont know what eggs belong to who and it also messes up their hatches. My silkie hatched out 4 babies and left the nest with eggs still in it so another hen sat and now she left them, sad cause Im sure there were babies from another hen and they werent ready yet.

 

[wrldlygrrl]

Definitely have to get rid of any roosters! I don't want chicks, just eggs!

 

[wrldlygrrl]

Okay, Baymen Moe...I may have a problem, or maybe just s situation, because my nesting box is at the top of the coop...wanted as much floor space as possible because I cannot build a run just yet. So, if I put the sticks up higher, will the birds fly up to them? I could get them the same height as the box. They are on a diagonal across the corner of the coop, stuck through from wire hole to wire hole...I am assuming there would be something under them because they poop in their sleep? (feeling a little like a dunce, but not totally stoopid about now)