Number of boxes in coop?

[CHIC]

I'm starting a coop and need to know the ratio of chickens per box... I've read 4-5 hens will share a box but that seems like it might get crowded... any suggestions?

 

[AkTomboy]

1 box per 5 hens is the normal ratio

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

No matter how many chickens you have an how many nests they have to chose from they will always try to all fit in the same nest at the same time....

One nest to every five hens would work ok but no less than 2 nest even if you only have 2 hens.

 

[CHIC]

Thanks for the advise... Chickens are like kids... funny and querky

 

[sandy sea]

That is correct, they all have one favorite box. Day I picked up 7 eggs all in the same nest box, yesterday there was 9 in that same box. I have 5 boxes, but The hens seem to use just a few.

 

[CHIC]

Maybe its the same way we like to sleep on the same side of the bed every night or park in the same parking spot every day....

 

[wombat]

At least 5 will share a box, but make sure you always have one extra box beyond normal needs, in case a hen goes broody.

 

[CHIC]

Thats good advise, thanks! I didn't think of that