Nesting Boxes for BIG Birds: How big?

[Shannonwbl]

We are just finishing our new coop: D just in time for our last batch of pullets to move out with the older hens. We have had various standard hens and even a nice big wyandotte, but this year we have added some Jersey Giants. I have no idea how big these girls will get and I am concerned that the nesting boxes we have been using (milk crates) won't be large enough.

Since I already have all the building materials out what would be the ideal size nesting box? I know I need them to be around 18" off the ground, but would it be safest to just build one long box or do I need to separate them?

Any suggestions are appreciated. I am ready to wrap up this project!

Here is our list of birds:
New Hampshire Red (1 yr)
Gold Laced Wyandotte (1yr)
Pulletts:
2 sex links
2 Amerucana
1 Silver Wyandotte
3 Jersey Giants
1 Buff Orpington
1 Rhode Island Red

 

[Zahboo]

Some people use community nest boxes, but I like seperate, especially if you're going to have a broody. I would say if I had huge birds, I'd do 15x15. I'm going to do a 12x12 in my coop for my cochins, and they do fine with it.

 

[chseeads]

I had some black giants in the past and they didn't seem exceptionally huge to me. I think nest boxes sized for the rest of your typical standards breeds would be fine for all of them.

 

[ChooksChick]

My boxes are 16"x24"x14" and the girls like to double up in them. I have 6 boxes for 6 layers, but they like a few in particular- there will be 16 laying total by August, so they'll have to share more regularly.

Again, though, I have giant BR, so these are perfect to double up like they seem to prefer.

 

[Shannonwbl]

Hmmm, maybe I won't tell the hubby that his JJ's might not be as big as he hopes. I think he would be happy with a chicken that made people say "oh my!". I personally think he just wanted some that were bigger than my Wyandotte.

Would there be a problem building one large (long) nesting box? I have also heard with bigger birds you don't want them to high off the floor. So I was thinking 18" or so.

 

[ChooksChick]

My birds' favorite boxes are on the floor. They have a second layer of boxes above, but they won't use those unless all of the others are full and they're dancing with their legs crossed. I say floor.

 

[Zahboo]

All mine liked the ones on the floor.