nesting box?

[lobster omlette]

I've have three chickens. From what I see the going size is 12x12 but i haven't seen that third measurement, height could someone please let me know I'm new at this and my one little favorite bird started laying last week tastiest little brown eggs!!! Will a milk crate work or a 5 gal bucket cut down ? and how many boxes? 1 for each or 1 total. thanks all

 

[Silkie Chick]

Our bantams prefer about a 12x12x12 inch area to lay their eggs. The guidelines for how many hens per box is about 4 so one box should do. Any sort of box/crate/ccontainer should do, so long as the chickens feel it is a safe and secure area to lay thier eggs.

 

[bobbieschicks]

I would say the taller the better. Mine are 13" tall and not tall enough for large breeds.

One thing I didn't realize - when they lay their eggs they actually stand up to push out at the end. So you will want your boxes tall enough so that whatever size pullet you own will be able to stand a little. I have to heighten my boxes in the spring as my lavender orpingtons are much taller then the White leghorn and silkies I have and they will have trouble standing in there otherwise.

As to how many use the same box - unlimited is the answer because when they like it they will all want the same one! LOL! But the guidelines say 3-4 pullets per box.

You can use whatever type of material to make them that works best for you as they will adapt and you will know pretty quickly if they will use the boxes or not. Milk crates are pretty large - and usually very open - so they may not prefer it. A bucket will just need to be tall enough for them to stand a little.

I know my chicks have 3 boxes and when I had 3 layers in early January they would all take a box. Here is the WL laying her egg - notice her standing.

 

[kcjones]

i have a milk crate an a large plastic tote, I gave them several choices when they started laying , that's what they picked

 

[joan1708]

Yes, please show us your unusual bantam nest boxes!

 

[jrhbull]

I use a 5 gallon bucket with a lid . Cut the lid in halflay it on its side and fill it with shavings it works great!!

 

[bairo]

mine are 13 inches cubed and work well (Delawares, reds, glw's) When I first started I had 5 gallon buckets and they worked good also.

 

[lobster omlette]

Thank you all for the info, I'll figure something out in the next day or two.