Nesting boxes Diamond or square

[charles2213]

I was wondering if anyone could help me? I have 10 hens in a 8 by 10 coop I am building a bigger coop that is 12 by 12 as I am wanting to add more to my flock. However, I can't decide on a nesting box shape to use. Is there one that is better than the other?
Thanks in advance for any help that can be offered on this.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Boxes can be any shape you desire. The birds only care if it will be conducive to hatching their chicks, even if these birds are only layers and not laying fertile eggs. So make sure they are large enough for the hens, 14x14 usually fits all sizes of birds. Keep the boxes in a darker corner of the coop, low to the floor, with a nice lip on them. I like to hang curtains over my boxes as hens like it dark inside and this can help with preventing egg eating. But you can make these boxes round, square, rectangular, what ever shape you want. As long as they are snuggley for the hens, they don't care. I found that I need 1 box per 3 birds. 1 per 4 birds and there was too much fighting and long waiting lines.

Good luck with your building projects and welcome to our flock!

 

[drumstick diva]

Hens often have a favorite box and they will wait in line to use it, even if all nest boxes are identical. If they can't wait any longer they will lay on egg on top of the resident hen. Thank goodness they aren't rocket scientists.

 

[BantamLover21]

Glad you joined us!

You can make your nest boxes any shape you want, as long as they are large enough for hens to sit comfortably in. Most nest boxes are square or rectangular in shape.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

We're glad to have you.

 

[sunflour]

So glad you joined us.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Whatever is easiest for you to build. Just make sure they are comfy and semi-dark inside to encourage the hens to use them. Putting a golf ball or fake egg in there will help with that also.

 

[charles2213]

Thank you to every one I greatly appreciate all your advice and I have started the construction of our new coop.