Nesting Boxes

[Backyard Bob]

I am looking to expand my coop. I am looking to obtain 100 White Leghorn Hens. Would 32 Nesting Boxes be enough? It fits perfect with my design, is the main reason I was wondering.

Thank you!

 

[hosspak]

I am looking to expand my coop. I am looking to obtain 100 White Leghorn Hens. Would 16 Nesting Boxes be enough? It fits perfect with my design, is the main reason I was wondering.

Thank you!

If your budget and space allow, the more the merrier..... I have 7 boxes for 12 hens and I think everyone of them has been used at least once and they have their favorites. I find many eggs in the same nest every day.... Since they don't stay long in the nest don't worry too much about the space...

 

[Ridgerunner]

I certainly think so. The 1 nest for 4 hens often used on this forum is pointed at much smaller flocks like most of the guidelines used on this forum. The more hens you have, the less meaningful it is. As many of us know from experience some nests will get a lot more use than others, even if you hold to this 4 to 1 ratio.

Another option for you would be to use community or tunnel nest boxes. If you look all the way to the bottom of this article you can get some information on them. The idea with these is that the hens can walk around each other to find a place to lay. That’s why they are two feet wide. You’ll need a hinged top to be able to get the eggs.

http://sd.appstate.edu/sites/sd.appstate.edu/files/poultry_equipment.pdf

 

[BrickWall Honey]

You'd be fine, when I ran a research farm for Lipmans they used 25 boxes for each pen of 100. The 1:4 formula. I currently have 3 boxes in my coop for an anticipated 12 birds. Right now 6 hens and everyday since they started laying they all lay in one box. Go in at 10:am everyday and get 6 eggs from one box.

 

[Westtexasdustdevil]

LOL righ now I have 4 hens and 8 nesting boxes. They all use the same nesting box. All 8 are exactly the same. No color changes, no size difference no nothing. Will not use the others.