Nesting box size

[Rogerson253]

In the process of finishing my first chicken roost and nesting box and was curious if I made the nesting boxes too small. They are approximately 10 to 11 inches wide and 11 to 12 inches deep.

 

[wyoDreamer]

What kind of chickens do you have? Those may be OK, probably perfect for Bantams or silkies...

Those boxes would be too small for my hens - I use 14x14 boxes and I have seen 3 hens in the same box all at once...

 

[Rogerson253]

What kind of chickens do you have? Those may be OK, probably perfect for Bantams or silkies...

Those boxes would be too small for my hens - I use 14x14 boxes and I have seen 3 hens in the same box all at once...

Don't have any chickens yet, and was considering adding an external nesting box to give more room.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The general recommendation on this site for full-sized fowl breeds is a minimum of 12" long x 12" wide x 12" high (assuming yours has a top, not all do). Where this came from I don't have a clue, probably commercial egg laying operations. I I've used it as a recommendation myself. People like you come on looking for guidelines and the 12" cube works.

I've had full-sized hens use the top of a cat litter bucket as a nest. That measured 7-1/2" x 11-1/2". No top on it. Smaller than what you built. I've had others lay in tight places but that is the only one I ever measured. As far as laying eggs what you built will not be a problem.

I said egg laying. I had a hen go broody and hatch in that cat litter bucket nest. That was a mistake. When the first chicks hatch they sometimes climb up on top of Mama. In that bucket nest Mama was sitting so close to the side of the nest that when the chick fell off it missed the nest and hit the floor. Four different times I had to pick a chick up and put it back in the nest with Mama. Probably the same chick most of those times. The chick fell 4' and was never hurt. Those little balls of fluff are really tough.

Your nests are probably big enough for a broody to hatch in but that depends on how they are made and how close to the edge she is sitting.

I made my standard nests 16" cubes for various reasons. I sometimes see three hens piled in there laying with empty nests around. You'll probably never see three in yours at one time but you might see two. They should have room.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Is it built like a bookshelf laid on its side- a few boxes in a row with a top and a bottom and boards in between to separate the boxes?
If so, maybe pull out the spacers and make it one long nest box. Or if you have 3 nest boxes- change it to 2.

 

[Rogerson253]

Is it built like a bookshelf laid on its side- a few boxes in a row with a top and a bottom and boards in between to separate the boxes?
If so, maybe pull out the spacers and make it one long nest box. Or if you have 3 nest boxes- change it to 2.

There is no roof on the nesting box and I am considering adding an external box to give them more room.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Chickens stand up when they lay. That's why height is important if you have a top to the nest. Since you don't it's not an issue but would be for the nest going outside so you can keep it dry.

I don't see a problem with the size of your nest at all.