New to this, have roosting bar and nexting box questions please help!

[pixiedouglas]

Hello! Hubby and I need some advice on SIZE. We have 11 chicks, they're all supposed to be pullets. Breeds are 2 Buff Orp, 1 Barred Rock, 1 Cal White, 2 Delaware, 2 Red Stars, 2 Salmon Faverolles, 1 Ameracauna.

What size should the nesting boxes be? Is 12x12x12 big enough? Should we increase to 16x16? If so would 16x16x12 be ok or should it be 16x16x16? Is three nesting boxes enough?

What should we use for the roosts? Hubby was thinking three roost bars in a ladder style. I read that dowel is too slippery, but we thought square might not feel natural to the chickens. If we look for some branches to use how big should the circumference be? My girls currently have a stick in their brooder box. I started with a smaller stick and realized it was too small for their feet, so found a wider stick and now they all fight over it.


Thanks for the help! I don't know what I would have down without you BYC folks this far.

 

[Baymen Moe]

Check out my page for some pictures of my nest boxes and roosts. I believe my boxes are around 15inches. I like the single level roost for less bickering over the best spot. And 3 boxes is enough.

 

[Bi0s]

2x4 flat side down is best for a roost cause chickens roost with there feet flat ...........

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Yes, or a thick branch that gives them this much width should work. They will curl their toes around a pole a little but not like most other birds do.

3 nests are plenty; they will probably only use one or two. 12" cube is commonly used but your orps and other larger hens may prefer the 16" cube. It is usually recommended 4 hens to one nest, but truth is I'd probably build two at most. You can always add a milk crate shaped thing or a 5 gal bucket or whatever. Some of mine prefer open top, some prefer open front.

 

[blefky]

Others have answered your questions, but

 

[Noymira]

Quote:
I think these pics are really helpful and am keeping these nesting boxes and roosts in mind when I design mine! Although in CA I'm guessing you'll want a lot of ventilation, probably more than Baymen Moe's coop.

 

[f8thnjc]

16x16x12 or 16 would work...for a roost, we just went out back and got a branch...about 1.5 in diameter

 

[pixiedouglas]

thanks everyone!

 

[PHarris985]

I really like Baymen Moe's design of inside the coop. We just started work on converting our 10 X 16 shed into a coop. A small area I want to section off for storage of cleaning and food supplies. I want to be able to make it easy to clean and really like your idea of a dropping board and one roost. How do the chickens get to the roost? I'm new to this and it probably sounded like a dumb question. Do you keep a light on for the chickens other than the brooding warming light? I ordered 25 chicks but it is a straightrun so I'm hoping for at least 15 hens out of the bunch. Should I have 3 or 4 nests? Thank you for sharing your pictures and ideas
Patty from Oregon

 

[Baymen Moe]

Quote:
Hi Patty, just an answer to another of your questions. The chickens can fly up to the roost, and in many cases, surprisingly high. Some people have had their birds roost high in the trees in their yard. As far as my set up is concerned, I added a ramp after the pictures were taken. The ramp is actually to benefit the trip down rather than up. Don't want any broken legs for some of the heavy breeds when they jump down. My birds of course now take the lazy route and use the ramp for both trips.