Roosting boxes

[StaceyL.RDH]

do I need 1 roosting box per hen? And what do you guys line your boxes with? Thanks!

 

[Jackandjillslittlecoop]

I have two boxes for 7 hens, filled with large pine shavings. They always lay in the boxes and I've had maybe two cracked eggs in a year.

 

[StaceyL.RDH]

I have two boxes for 7 hens, filled with large pine shavings. They always lay in the boxes and I've had maybe two cracked eggs in a year.

I have 6 boxes for 12 hens. Is that enough?

 

[21hens-incharge]

This thread is also along these lines.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/nest-boxes.1254158/

I think you have more nests than you need. I use pine shavings in my boxes.

 

[Jackandjillslittlecoop]

I have 6 boxes for 12 hens. Is that enough?

I would certainly say so. Most ratios list 1 box for 3-4 hens. I'm sure you could get away with 3 for now.

 

[StaceyL.RDH]

This thread is also along these lines.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/nest-boxes.1254158/

I think you have more nests than you need. I use pine shavings in my boxes.

Thank you!

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

do I need 1 roosting box per hen? And what do you guys line your boxes with? Thanks!

Just some glossary definitions.
The 'roost' is where they sleep.
The 'nests' are where they lay eggs.
You don't want them roosting(sleeping) in the nests.
They poop thru the night and you don't want that in your nests.

 

[StaceyL.RDH]

Welcome to BYC!


Just some glossary definitions.
The 'roost' is where they sleep.
The 'nests' are where they lay eggs.
You don't want them roosting(sleeping) in the nests.
They poop thru the night and you don't want that in your nests.

Thanks! Newbie for sure. .

 

[jthornton]

I have 1 nest box for 9 Rhode Island Red pullets. No fighting for a favorite nest box. Of course it's 36" wide 14" tall and 14" deep with a carpet runner to line the false floor.

JT

 

[rosemarythyme]

One box per 3 to 4 hens. I have a 3 stall nest box and use folded feed bags for lining (free!) and wood shavings.