New to Raising Chickens

[Keithwa]

Hi My name is Keith, my wife and I recently started raising chickens and have had 2 different small coops so far. I am now building a new large coop that should allow for more birds. My question is are there any proven nesting box designs? or is it just whatever you prefer?

 

[ColoradoPip]

It is what you prefer. Size wise, minimum 12x12x12 but can be bigger or a maybe a little bit smaller too.

There are many pros and cons to all designs

• Community boxes
• Rollaway boxes
• Rear access doors in regular boxes
• Front access only boxes
• Milk crates with bedding for boxes

Really depends on you (and maybe your chicks if you have any egg eaters). I've tried to make mine somewhat easy to modify later by using screws where I can and building it larger than I need.

 

[Keithwa]

Thank you for the info, I do have one that is Broody one moment and the next she is eating her egg.

 

[aart]

Yep, 12x12x12 is a good minimum......and mount the nests about 12" higher than the roosts or they might sleep in nests and soil them.

I'm pretty partial to my nests, they work great.
Main nest bank (click pic for more pics and detail drawing):


Have this for broodies, put into a fence off section of coop:



Oh, and..... Welcome to BYC! @Keithwa
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Annastin]

Hi My name is Keith, my wife and I recently started raising chickens and have had 2 different small coops so far. I am now building a new large coop that should allow for more birds. My question is are there any proven nesting box designs? or is it just whatever you prefer?

In my opinion its whatever you think is best and what will work for you. I have some hens that like raised nests and I have some that like ground nests so its truly whatever you and your chickens like.
Good luck!