nesting box question

[outdoor junkie]

I have four hens, and am about to add nesting boxes to the coop, still a little early I think but might as well get them done and installed now. My question is I know with four birds I could get away with one box, but plan on putting two in. Can anyone give me some standard dimensions for a nest box? I really have no idea how big to make them, also do you just use the wood shavins in them, or should I use some sort of other bedding material? Thank you for any advice you can give this noob. Have a wondeful day.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm assuming standard sized hens, not bantams. The minimum size I would go with is 12" x 12". A little larger won't hurt but is not really required.

As far as height, it depends a bit on how you actually construct them. I add a lip across the bottom that is about 5" to 6" high to keep them from scracthing out the bedding material, fake eggs, or real eggs. Then, above that I have an opening about 6" to 8" high. That is for the openings. How you frame it will determine actual height.

I have used wood shavings, straw, and what would be equivalent to hay, long grass cut and dried. All work well. I kind of prefer the hay since it is finer than straw but a little firmer than the shavings, but that is just pure personal preference. They all work.

I agree with your decision to go with 2 nest boxes although they will probably all use the same one. It gives you flexibility to handle things later, just in case you need that.

 

[outdoor junkie]

Thank you, yes I was thinking in the 12" x 12" area. Info is much appreciated.

 

[colonel sander]

Are you doing a internal or external nesting box? I am in the same boat with 4 hens and want to do 2 external boxs on my coop. I would do an internal but want to keep the floor space to a maximum for the gals.

 

[outdoor junkie]

I am going to build mine external, for the same reason, saving space in the coop, and also for easier egg removal.