nests

[Wally]

Like other folks I'm waiting for me first eggs. I was wondering how many birds per nest yall use? I have 26 large breed and 3 bantams so how many nests are best.
Thanks from central Texas

 

[Poison Ivy]

I've had up to 45 chickens at one time and 8 nest boxes. They only used 3 or 4 at the most. They would stand in line or boot the others out to use their favorite one. I had a bantam hen crawl under my buff orp so she could lay her egg. It was funny to watch because neither one was going to give up the nest box. But I think the rule is 1 nest to 4 hens.

 

[Standard Hen]

I never understood the rule thing if the hens don't obey them...lol My girls free range during the day and have decided that they would rather lay their eggs in the hay storage in my barn. And yes, they actually stand in line for the one little nest they carve out in a bale of hay. Then when I get to that bale they have to start all over again when all they have to do is lay the eggs in their coops? Nope, rather stand in line up on hay bales, go figure.