New member lots of questions

[Ktjay563]

I got my first egg today and am so excited, but I see I have alot to learn, I will not ask all of my questions at once, but I have a question, I have 6 chickens how many boxes do I need for them to lay eggs? I was not ready for them to start so I did not have any boxes or straw for them, I rushed out and got straw and my husband made a box so hopefully tomorrow we will have another egg

 

[vetgirl00us]

Hi! I would start with one or two for now and plan on building maybe 3-4 to keep the hens happy and from having to wait.

 

[eenie114]

I'd start with 3-5, but be warned: There WILL be a favorite. Sometimes, mine will just wait outside the favorite until it's empty, or even try to share.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

I read somewhere that you only need one for every four hens.... but they always seem to have a favorite nest box

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. Good advice given. Happy egg collecting.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Hello from Tucson, AZ and

Congratulations on your first egg!

I have 6 hens and two boxes are fine. Three of them occasionally try to lay at once but one will just climb onto the other or snuggle up next to them, but that is rare.

 

[mississippifarmboy]

From Mississippi! Two nest boxes will be fine for 6 hens. I agree, there will be favorites though.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

and a Texas size:

 

[Ktjay563]

Thanks for all of the good advise. I am going to start with 2 boxes and grow from there. Next question, do you have to wash the eggs before you store them?