roost and nest box questions

[Cheryl]

How high off the floor should the next boxes be and how far off the wall should the roost be? I have 2 rirs and 3 wyandottes...

 

[Cheryl]

Any ideas would be appreciated...the box is built and the walls are up in my coop....still needs the roof though!

 

[IHeartChickens]

According to a book I have...

Roosts: If you use traditional stair stepped roosts, you should set the bottom perch about 2 feet from the floor and higher rungs an additional foot apart. 2x2 boards make ideal roosts for full size chickens. The book states you should not use plastic or metal for perch material.

Nest Box: A 14 inch wooden cube with one open side makes an ideal nesting box for full size hens The book says as long as the cube is bigger than the chicken, it should be fine. they state the cube should be placed in the darkest corner of the coop with one nest box per four hens.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck. Show us pictures with what you come up with.

 

[Dawn419]

Roosts should be 18" away from the walls and 18" between each other.

Our nest boxes sit on the floor. Make sure to keep your nest boxes lower than the roosts or your birds could start using them as roosts instead.

Hope this helps!

Dawn

 

[CarlaRiggs]

Some heavier birds have a hard time landing when coming down from a high roost. They *will* get up to the highest spot, but don't seem to gracefully and lightly fly down to the bottom. If you can keep the roosts at 2 feet or so, then it may be easier for your hens' feet.
The nesting box should be lower than the roost. It's also a good idea to put a slanted top over it so nobody can roost atop the box. Keeps things cleaner that way.

 

[chickflick]

you are getting different ideas...but most of the people on this site like to use 2x4's with the wide side facing up. Easier for the chikens to walk on and keep their feet warm in winter. My roosts are set at 3 ft, 4ft and 5ft. Nesting boxes are 14 in off the ground. Your choice what you think is best for you. Have fun finishing your coop!