nesting boxes

[hermiesbirdies]

I am building everything from scrap. finishing up the outside of the coop and starting to build door and roosts. how big should I build the nesting boxes? Is it ok to use aromatic eastern red cedar to build the boxes with?

 

[bigredfeather]

I would make them 12"x12"x12" or a little bigger. I would not use the cedar. The smell from the cedar can cause respitory problems for the chickens. If the smell irritates them, they likely won't use the nesting box.

 

[hermiesbirdies]

good to know. thank you. 12" deep too? think I am making plywood boxes then

 

[ChickBond 007]

I would use 12" by 12" by 15" deep. I have large hens and mine are just about that size. Think "enclosed" "dark" "calm" "secluded". That's what a hen is looking for. Some secret place for the first egg, then 7 girls copy her, usually in the same place.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I made mine 16" x 16" with the thought that they like to crowd into the same nest. With a nest this size, they can without being on top of each other. I do agree with "enclosed" "dark" "calm" "secluded".