Nesting Box

[ChickenGirl555]

I just realized something. My 5-month-old pullets are going to be laying soon and I haven't set up my nesting box at all yet!!

This thought crossed my mind, and I've heard of people putting dishpans and bowls and other stuff in the nesting boxes, but I wanted to get multiple opinions. What type of bedding? The regular pine shavings? Do I need the bowls/pans? I'm not super concerned, but seeing that they are 5 months, I would like to prepare even though they might not lay until spring because of the light, season, etc.

Any tips on how I should set it up for 6 pullets? 2 barred rocks, 2 easter egger/ameraucaunas (don't know which it is yet), and 2 buff orps. (also a month and a half old silkie mix chick)

 

[BYChickenAl]

Clean and dry nesting material. I provide chopped up straw for my girls. They move it around and kick a lot out of the nesting boxes, but I deal with it. Don't need anything fancy like a bowl.

 

[Hokum Coco]

nesting box

Two nest boxes for your girls should do fine. There are practically as many answers to this question as their are chicken owners.

This is top shelf in my book and should be kept in mind if problems arise.

Cleaner and fewer broken eggs is the best advantages this nest box offers.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

There are practically as many answers to this question as their are chicken owners. You should have 3 nest boxes for your girls.

Here is something to keep in mind before you build that has advantages.

We already built the BOX it’s just not set up, like bedding and stuff

 

[lazy gardener]

6 birds should be fine with 2 boxes. minimum size: 12 x 12 x 15" high. Or you can make it a larger community nest. My gals LOVE the community nest idea. Give them lots of nice deep bedding. I use coarse hay in mine.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

6 birds should be fine with 2 boxes. minimum size: 12 x 12 x 15" high. Or you can make it a larger community nest. My gals LOVE the community nest idea. Give them lots of nice deep bedding. I use coarse hay in mine.

Thanks, we’ll put a divider in the box since it’s the size of two already, and the local mill can supply hay

 

[aart]

We already built the BOX it’s just not set up, like bedding and stuff

Can you post a pic of your nests?

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Can you post a pic of your nests?

This is all it is right now (And my curious girls getting ready for bed).

 

[aart]

Great pic!
Needs a front, 3-4" high.
You could attach divider to front piece, then attach front at both ends to wall.

 

[henless]

If your going with a community nesting box, just attach a 1"x4" across the front to keep in the straw or shavings and it would be just fine. Or hadd a divider and make it into 2 boxes.

I usually have some of my pullets that start laying around 4 months. Might not be a bad idea to get their nest ready. They may wait till spring, but then again, they may not.