Nesting box question here for BYC experts

[RonP]

Personally, I would leave it and see, unless you plan on having Jersey Giants. Then 18x18x18 for sure...

I built 16" cubes as a compromise. I also have some bantams...

I had to add a slanted panel on top.

This to stop them from roosting (and soiling) the top of the boxes.

 

[dm36905]

I thought of slanting the roof;however, if i did that it would decrease the walk around room in the coop significantly

I felt guilty not giving them room...well see how it goes

 

[Mutt Farm]

Both nests i just put together are 14" wide and deep the height however is 11.5" do you think this is still too small. I have read that too much room gives them an opportunity to poop or crush eggs.

First, HOWDY and WELCOME to BYC!

Common sense is a good thing! They will be just fine. When a chicken is going to lay, they lay. You didn't mention any plans to hatch eggs, so a smaller nest box will do to pop in and drop an egg. They like their privacy and you're right, you don't need them bouncing around on the eggs. I have a total of 15 hens 3 big fat BO's. My boxes (6) are 12 wide, 14 deep and 12 high. My fatties fit just fine. For the not slanted roof, you could staple a teepee of hardware cloth. Good luck and happy chickening! Don't sweat the little stuff! That makes a hobby a chore!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I bought some dish pans for the boxes and made the boxes to fit them. My BO that is a big fattie goes in and does what she needs to do. It is a snug fit for her.
Mine measure about 13 wide x 15 deep and 13 tall. The board across the front obscures the view which is a bummer.

The dish pans make it easy to clean and easy to gather eggies. Just lift them out and there everything is.

 

[shortgrass]

That's a good idea, the dishpans! I just kinda threw whatever I had in there lol, they actually all use a total of 4 boxes...28 hens, 10 boxes.... Use 4. See how well preparation and research does? Lol they do what they want

But...they use the 4 biggest boxes

 

[snow5164]

My four boxes are still blocked off because they're only 11 weeks old, but I noticed they all like to sit by the two on the end , I'm thinking two will get used and two will sit empty that sounds pretty common on here.
Prepare for the worst but expect the best

 

[Folly's place]

I use plastic 'egg crates' on an open shelf, with an inadequately slanted top. Young birds still sit and poop on it, unfortunately. There's a sapling about 8" in front of the boxes so the hens can walk along and pick their favorite box when it's empty. Mary

 

[tdaigle]

I just use whole circular 5 gallon buckets. Work great and very inexpensive

.

 

[Cacique500]

I would definitely turn the top of those nesting boxes into a "poop tray" - make a lip all around the top and fill with Sweet PDZ - I think the size you have now should be just fine.

 

[Mutt Farm]

I would definitely turn the top of those nesting boxes into a "poop tray" - make a lip all around the top and fill with Sweet PDZ - I think the size you have now should be just fine.

That's a great idea!