Nesting boxes

[SoldierSailor]

We have several breeds in the same coop. 14 chickens 4 silkies, 2 andalusion, 2 reds, 2 loghorns, 2 hamburgs, 2 lite brahmas

Right now I have three dividers, floor level that serve for their nesting area. A 6ft long roosting bar about 10 inches above the floor.

They have only started laying. First egg this week!! from an older bird)

Should I create nesting boxes at around 10 inches above the floor? How many?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Silkies can’t fly so they need things pretty close to the floor, roosts and nests, or you need a good way for them to get higher and then back down. Close to the floor is usually a good idea for Silkies.

How big are your current nests? If you have three about 12” x 12” you might need another nest for 14 hens. You may also get by with just those three. If they are more in the range of 16” x 16” or bigger, three should be plenty. You can have them at floor level or put them up higher. Other than the Silkies, the chickens don’t really care. What’s more convenient for you?

For 14 hens, a six feet long roost is not enough. I’d add another roost up at least 6 feet long in addition to that lower one. Longer than six feet would not hurt if you put it higher. They normally like to sleep on the highest thing available so make sure you have roosts higher than your nests. And don’t forget that Silkies can’t fly.