Nesting box size

[Flyboy718]

What dimensions do I need to use to make a nesting box?

 

[Fred's Hens]

I like a 12 to 15 inch cube. Sometimes a larger bird likes that size to feel comfortable, and the smaller birds double up and once in awhile, triple up.

 

[BoltonChicken]

12 x 12 or 12 x 15 works fine. They will nest in a bucket. Doesn't seem to matter too much to them.

 

[CT]

Do you cut the bucket to make openings, or just take off the lid?

 

[Flyboy718]

Is there a minimum height the nesting boxes need to be above the floor of the coop? I am planning on putting mine 24" above the floor of the coop. Do I need to put something there so they can get into them easily?

 

[gale65]

at 24" they shouldn't need a ramp or anything. A perch in front is good though. Our nests are going to be on the floor and just about 14" above (4 nests, 2 rows of 2).

 

[Flyboy718]

How many boxes for 9 hens?

 

[Fred's Hens]

You can provide 2, but my guess it they'll all lay in one anyhow. It's a social, community thing.

 

[Ridgerunner]

For 9 hens I would have at least two and preferably three. They will probably all use the same one or two anyway, but with three you have a little more flexibility, say if one goes broody. You also have some room to increase your flock, just in case that happens.

This thread has some pictures of different nesting boxes. You can see that about anything goes. I personally like a lip on mine about 5" to 6" high to keep them from scratching out the nesting material and eggs, but from these photios, you can see that a lot of people don't have the lip that high.

Nesting Boxes
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=41108

 

[KDK1]

Quote:
Cut about 2/3 off the lid and put the remaining 1/3 on to keep nesting and eggs inside... lay it on it's side!