Nesting Boxes

[ARose4Heaven]

yes, that is true, hens will sleep and poo in the nests if they are not lower than your roosts. You DO NOT want hens sleeping in the nests (unless they are brooding chicks)

I have found that for up to 10 hens, I need a minimum of 2 nests. For each 10 hens above that, add 1 nest. They don't all lay at the same time of day, and will establish "favorite" nests. I frequently find 6 - 8 eggs per nest. It is almost a guarantee that 1 or more nests will not get used.

 

[Judy]

I wouldn't put more than 4 nests in for 25 hens. Depending what breed you bought, you may never get a broody, and chickens who aren't broody will not set on eggs. If for some reason you eventually decide you need more nest boxes, it's easy enough to add one, probably for a few dollars or free made of something lying around.

I have 7 nests of various types at present; they use one or two, and one contains a broody and her eggs that she will (hopefully) soon hatch. I've never paid for a nest; there's always something lying around. Some prefer open tops, some prefer open fronts, some prefer a hidden corner on the floor. If you do decide to build nests, I'd recommend you do this so it's easy to move them around or change their conformation.

 

[Gobe23]

Thanks for all of the help guys and gals! I plan on only doing 4 nest boxes at the most to start. If by some reason I need more I can always add.

 

[CluckCluck18]

I'm so happy to find this post. Have 5 girls with 2 nest boxes and they pretty much use one. Getting ready to go up to 12
and will expand my run but adding nest boxes is a bigger rennovation. Going to give it a whirl with 2 and see what happens.
Thanks, everyone