Nesting box question

[chickenchok]

I've been reading that the nesting box should be 12X12X14"high. But it also says to put a lip on it and an angled roof. So does the opening have to be 12" for a standard hen? Or can it be a little less, as long as inside dimensions are as noted above?

Thank you!
p.s. Our largest pullets are a black astralorp and Wyandottes.

 

[andy]

the measurements you gave sound good,, the slopping roof is so they dont perch on it and poop every where lol

 

[digitS']

My Australorps and Barred Rocks are comfortable with an 8"W x 12"T pop door altho' it is just a wee bit tight. So, the opening for a nest box should be just fine smaller than 12 by 12, to my way of thinking.

Honestly, they would squeeze thru a door 6 by 6 if they wanted to. As you suggest, the inside dimensions of the box would be more important. I suggest that for the interior, you don't go any smaller than 12 x 12, however.

Steve

 

[chickenchok]

Thank you for your replies... very helpful. We were making it today when these questions came up... whew! luckily we did it right based on your replies

 

[11langenkamp_w]

I just use apple crats and set them on the ground and also hang them up and they work just fine.