Nesting Box Question

[chickengeorgeto]

For nest boxes that also work well for incubation purposes make each nest free standing 12 inches wide (11 & 1/4 inches wide using a 12 by board) 12 inches tall, and 24" deep with a two inch gap between the roof and sides. let the top or roof overlay the sides & rear walls 3 inches on 2 sides and on the back end. This results in an extremely private nest that hens search out because it offers them safety as well as seclusion. Also a nest with a low roof will not get scratched out as much as a tall nest.

 

[TheLongRun]

I would suggest a minimum of 12x12 of you are going to do individual boxes. Some folks do more communal boxes that don't have dividers separating each area. My last set were 14x14, thee ones in our latest build are 14x16

There might be an advantage with individual boxes... When a hen goes broody and creates a nest in one of the boxes, you just lift the box and place it in a separate area. No disturbing the chicken or eggs.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

There might be an advantage with individual boxes... When a hen goes broody and creates a nest in one of the boxes, you just lift the box and place it in a separate area. No disturbing the chicken or eggs.

If you move the nest after dark the hen'll never realize that she has been moved.

 

[TexasSam]

I think all mine are large breeds. Silver laced Wyandotte, Ee, BO, BA

Those are all standard layers you should be good with 12x12x12