OK size of my nesting box please help!!

[doIreallylikeeggsthismuch]

My nesting boxes are 12x12x12 just barely!! Everything I read from books sounded like this was an ideal size. I have 20 chickens. Many large breeds.........jersey giant, barred rock, light brahma, buff rock and on and on. My boxes are all completed but I am worried now they are not big enough. Has anyone ever had this size of box and chickens refuse to lay in them? I am going to have 8 boxes........over kill or just right?

 

[schmism]

The number i hear is 4birds per box.... but the reality is even with 5 or 6 they will all want to lay in the same one (and usually at the same time)

mine are just shy of those dimensions and they seem to do fine in them.

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

I would think 8 is overkill. I've never had a JG but I would think you'd need a bigger box for her.










edited because I left out a word...case of brain thinking ahead of typing skills

 

[Sammimom]

We were worried about our Buff Orpington in our 12 X 12 box, but she has been just fine. We only have three hens, and they use two boxes, switching often.

 

[downhome]

my boxes are that size , I have 6. I had them closed off also till the gals started laying then opened three they where in them like clock work and will not lay anywhere else unless they cant get in to them. I do some times find three at a time in them. I have 19 hens.
I may open up the other three?

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

The rule of thumb is 1 box per 4-5 birds. I'd open up one more box for sure.

 

[newchicksnducks]

My Jersey Giant is a year old, and has no problem with our 12x12 boxes. All my breeds are heavier breeds, but they do well with this design. And yes, I'll get 6 or 7 eggs in one box, and one of the boxes will be empty...go figure. But yes, the "rule" is 4 boxes per bird meaning at 20 chickens you would need 5 boxes.