Question

[Steergirl]

This may sound like a dumb question but does each hen need their own nesting box if they will just be laying

? My chickens are only chicks right now but thinkin ahead!

ETA: The reason I am asking is because on mypetchicken.com is say the Triplex Nesting Box will work for 12-15 chickens.

 

[AuntieE]

I am really new to raising chicks, but from everything I've read on here, you only need 1 nest box for about every 4 hens.

 

[dsqard]

They do not need their own nesting boxes. I have eight laying hens right now and five nest boxes. They have their favorite two and all eight lay in those two boxes. I haven't seen it but I have read on different threads that hens will wait outside a favorite nest box if it is occupied to use that box. Whenever I read about that I picture in my mind the waiting hen doing the "pee-pee dance" until the box is empty.

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Quote:
x2

 

[Steergirl]

Ok thanks! I was starting to get worried! I think I am going to put 6 in then.

 

[LilyD]

Yeah I have 12 chicks coming and only six nesting boxes in my coop. My sister has 8 chickens with 6 nesting boxes and they all lay in one box unless they are trying to hide their eggs that is