New Back Yard Chicken Farmer!

[rugman]

Hi,

From South,GA.

 

[Mahonri]

Welcome to April!

 

[debilorrah]

 

[Jennings Gamefowl]

 

[Judy]

P & Q Ranch :

Many thanks for the warm welcome!!
I have a question about the nest boxes in the coop. We have 8 RIR's that are 10-12 weeks old. My husband built the coop with 10 nest boxes, 5 on each side with a space down the middle of both sides. Since then we found out that we had to take out one side (5 nests) to make room for the hens to roost on branches. Right now they are just piling on top of each other when they sleep! My question is, how many nest boxes do we need for 8 chickens and do we still need a place for them to roost in the coop? Also I haven't a clue when the hens lay an egg, if they do it at night or in the morning or anytime at all? Also do they sleep in the nest when they lay eggs or do they need a separate place to roost or sleep?
Any help would be appreciated. They are really good girls, they put themselves to bed as soon as the sun goes down and I let them out as soon as the sun comes up! They also free range in among my butterfly plants. My jack russell/cocker spaniel mix has made chicken watching his favorite pastime!
Thanks again,
Shirley & Nelson Decker

You only need 2 or 3 nest boxes for 8 hens. You can try putting them on the roost at dusk each night. They will probably learn to sleep on the roost in time, even if you don't help them learn. Maybe they did not have a roost where they used to live. They lay when they are ready, but most often during the morning. They don't lay in their sleep, at least not usually! Some will sleep in nests but you probably want to encourage them not to, so the e g g s won't get poopy.​

 

[Up-the-Creek]

 

[chickie momma di]

 

[I LOVE COCHINS]

From California!