Quick Advice wanted on egg box design!

[ChickenSheep]

Hey All,
My hens will start laying in the next 3 - 4 weeks.

Preface:
I always try to be resourceful and am using this "box" I removed from a rental property. I know there are likely better ways to make a nest box, however this is costing me absolutely nothing except time....

My question:
As you see pictured, there are (or will be soon) 4 levels for compartments. Originally, I was going to separate each level into three compartments... As I look at it, I am wondering, is there any reason to separate each level into 3 compartments (ie placing 2 vertical pieces of wood to separate the one wide area into 3 boxes)?
I know the designs I usually see are small square box type areas, is this necessary?
Would the chickens like/need the extra security is has to offer?
The levels are 12" tall, so they are already somewhat "cozy"...

Let me know what you think, as well as any other advice on using this current set-up. (I'm committed to using this basic "shell" because I have it and it's free). Of course 3 sides and tops will be closed (back will have door for access from outside of coop).

I hope my specific inquiry makes sense.
Thanks
Troy

 

[ChickenCanoe]

How many hens will you have? You need one nest for every 4 birds.
12X12X12 is sufficient per nest but I like them a little taller.
Thinking outside the box. How about laying it on its side and closing off the floor side.

 

[vehve]

I think people have had pretty good experiences with communal laying boxes, so I wouldn't worry about separating every nest from each other. As long as you make it nice and cozy and block away most of the light it will probably work. The height is a tad on the short side in that thing though, in my opinion.

*Edit* Apparently I missed the 12" height, probably ok, although it could be higher. Quick and dirty fix would be to close the floor on that lowest shelf, put in a 2x4 in the front of the highest shelf, and draping the whole thing with some sort of fabric on three sides. Or plywood if you want to be posh about it

*Edit #2* And drape the top too, and think about adding landing roosts in front of the nests.

 

[jetdog]

My first coop had 12x12 nestboxs and they worked just fine, I've had 2 in the box at the same time. Built a new coop but went with 14x14 boxes and they seem to be more comfortable and have alot more room if 2 want in at the same time.

 

[BayBay Peepers]

We have 12" by 12" and they work out nice. When we had two girls go broody we had to make an extra box. It ended up on the larger side because the space was too small to put in two boxes. Only one hen uses that extra large box and the rest share the 12" by 12". Silly girls

 

[ChickenSheep]

I appreciate the input. The box I was working with was already 3'x4' so I could've made it 3x3 but I thought they would've been too tall. (16")
I am very new to this so I hadn't heard the term "communal laying boxes".

How many hens will you have? You need one nest for every 4 birds.
12X12X12 is sufficient per nest but I like them a little taller.
Thinking outside the box. How about laying it on its side and closing off the floor side.

I have 50 or so Pullets/Hens
As far as turning it the other way, it won't fit between the existing posts that way, so I'd have to modify something, which I probably won't do unless necessary...
They are actually just under 2' deep because that was the existing dimensions...

I think people have had pretty good experiences with communal laying boxes, so I wouldn't worry about separating every nest from each other. As long as you make it nice and cozy and block away most of the light it will probably work. The height is a tad on the short side in that thing though, in my opinion.

*Edit* Apparently I missed the 12" height, probably ok, although it could be higher. Quick and dirty fix would be to close the floor on that lowest shelf, put in a 2x4 in the front of the highest shelf, and draping the whole thing with some sort of fabric on three sides. Or plywood if you want to be posh about it

*Edit #2* And drape the top too, and think about adding landing roosts in front of the nests.

Yes, the pictures are unfinished, The bottom and top will have a piece of plywood and the 2x4 will be added to the highest shelf, just like the others.. Just wanted to get quick input about separating them while I was still working on it... I was debating the landing roosts. That would be the first materials I'd actually have to purchase!

 

[donrae]

I don't think you need to separate them. I use large-ish Rubbermaid tubs, on their sides, and frequently have more than one bird in a tub at a time. There's plenty of room and I think some of the hens settle in for a nice chat

 

[ChickenSheep]

Thanks, I'm going to give it a shot! I can always go back and separate the larger sections later if needed...
Now, if I could stop the hawks from taking my chickens! I've had to keep them in the coop, after losing 4-5 over the last 2 weeks...