nesting boxes

[inizzip12]

I was wondering how many nesting boxes are needed for twelve chickens?

thanks

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Hi and welcome to BYC

You'll hear everything from one for every 3-5 hens, so if you split the difference you have one for every 4 - which would mean three for your 12 girls. Of course, you can provide as many as you like and they'll probably all decide that they favor the same one, lol.

 

[johnnyj216]

at any given time there are 4 nesting boxes in my run. All mine seem to prefer the same one. It's actually funny. Like waiting in line at the DMV. Bock Bock Bock, NEXT!!!

 

[mrchicks]

We have 12 nest boxes and 14 hens in our main coop. They use two. And complain while waiting in line for their personal favorite. They will on occasion hop in with another hen and try to push her out. You're taking too long! Get out! Baawwk!!!

 

[inizzip12]

Thank you so much for your reply. I just joined this forum and have a feeling I could get addicted. We have enlarged our flock and now we are going to be building a bigger coop. Our current coop has no roosts. If we build a new one with 3 nesting boxes and then plenty of roosting space is that where they will sleep even in the winter?(on the roosts)

 

[mrchicks]

This is a great forum, and we're happy to have you here!

Yes, they need roosts, make sure they are higher than the nest boxes. They like to sleep in the highest place, and you don't want them sleeping in the nests. I use 2 x 4's, wide side up for my roosts. That lets them hunker down and keep feathers over their feet in winter.