Nesting Boxes

[M Brennen]

Is there a general rule of chickens per nesting box?

 

[KarynVA]

Yes.











I think it's one box per every 4-5 hens. But most likely, they'll all use the same box regardless.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Is there a general rule of chickens per nesting box?

Some general rules, yes, but some variations. One general rule is a minimum or 12" x 12" for a nest size. That gives you a starting point. For a nest that size the general recommendation is one nest for every four hens. Most of my nests are 16" x 16". I'm OK with one nest for every five hens. I've had hens lay in nests smaller than 12x12 but those are typically a hidden nest for one hen. There is a specialty design called a community nest box where one 24" x 48" nest can accommodate 24 hens.

We are all unique. Like most things chicken there are no magic numbers that cover every possible situation. Without knowing more on what you are working with the best I can do is suggest one nest for every four hens. That should keep you out of trouble.

 

[preciouschick]

Is there a general rule of chickens per nesting box?

I was told the same thing, 4 per box. 6 are mostly using the same box. This morning 6 in the box. Then I checked the box around noon. 2 in the same box at the same time, and another trying to get in also. Go figure..they basically do what they want.

 

[Mamatomany123]

I did 1 per 3. They all use the same box. I caught Karen laying on top of big bird the other day. Little green easter egg sat on her back.

 

[aart]

I was told the same thing, 4 per box. 6 are mostly using the same box. This morning 6 in the box.

They all use the same box.

Fake egg in each nest should 'spread the love'.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Fake egg in each nest should 'spread the love'.

I have a fake egg in every box. They still choose to lay ontop of one another. The others should get used by my 12 week old girls when they start laying. Hopefully theyll have enough sense to go in to an empty box if the others are occupied.

 

[aart]

I have a fake egg in every box. They still choose to lay ontop of one another. The others should get used by my 12 week old girls when they start laying. Hopefully theyll have enough sense to go in to an empty box if the others are occupied.

Have only had this happen very rarely, that I've witnessed...mine seem to be 'lone layers'.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Have only had this happen very rarely, that I've witnessed...mine seem to be 'lone layers'.

I feel like I got a batch of obnoxious chickens. Like, I know they're stubborn but mine seem to be extra stubborn.

 

[Ridgerunner]

It's not that unusual to see three hens in one of my nests laying together. My nests are 16" x 16" x 16" so they have room to all get on the same level but it's pretty tight. That's with all my other nests wide open. I see it so regularly I just consider them in the same nest laying as normal.

A few years back I had a Speckled Sussex that I considered a nest hog. She would not let any other hen in the nest to lay with her. I don't know that she was unusual either, she was just being a chicken, like the others.