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size of nest box?

Discussion in 'Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance' started by Fldeb, Jun 17, 2011.

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  1. Jun 17, 2011 #1
    Fldeb

    Fldeb Out Of The Brooder

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    We are getting ready to build or get something to use as nest boxes for our RIR's and Black Star hens. We have access to milk crates and had planned on using them but are wondering if they are too small. The crates are 12" x 12" x 10.5" deep. What size should we use? We are planning on 4 boxes as we have 12 hens. Thanks!
     
  3. Jun 17, 2011 #2
    reksat

    reksat Chillin' With My Peeps

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    That sounds like a good size .I believe mine is 12"x12"x12". Also i have 2 nest boxes for 8 chics . 4-5 chics to a nest so 4 will be fine for you.
     
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2011
  5. Jun 17, 2011 #3
    bryan99705

    bryan99705 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Milk crates work great! toss them on the floor, throw a little grass or straw in, and call it good. 3 crates will be enough and you'll probably see they only use one
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2011
  7. Jun 18, 2011 #4
    Fldeb

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    We had planned on laying them on their side and having two rows of two. Would it be better to just set them right side up or does it matter?
     
  9. Jun 18, 2011 #5
    Arielle

    Arielle Chicken Obsessed

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    Set milk crates on the side; some people place a board across base to keep in bedding and eggs; if mounted you will want a landing board about 8 inches away from milk crate.

    I found the milk crates too small for my girls [​IMG] so I improvised with a huge packing crate, dividing it into 4 nesting boxes. EE, RIR seem more comfy in larger nest box, or they use extra straw placed on top of packing crate for storage!!!! Open topped and about 16 x 26 . . . whatever works!!
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2011
  11. Jun 18, 2011 #6
    chickenbythesea

    chickenbythesea Chillin' With My Peeps

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    ours are 12 x 12 x 12 inches... we were told to make them that size so that when they're laying they can't stand up and poop in the nesting boxes.... since ours are only a week old, I have no idea if this will hold true... in six months, I will know [​IMG]
     
  13. Jun 18, 2011 #7
    Arielle

    Arielle Chicken Obsessed

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    THe first next box I made was 12 x 12 x 12 for my EE hen. SHe looked cramped whith tail pushing against sides, so I decided the next nest boxes would be bigger. Made me feel better, not sure they really need it.[​IMG]
     
  15. Jun 18, 2011 #8
    FuzzyButtsFarm

    FuzzyButtsFarm Rest in Peace 1950-2013

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    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I sit the milk crates up after I cut out a panel in the front and u-nail them to a shelf. Works great
     
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  17. Jun 19, 2011 #9
    Fldeb

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    Thanks for the picture, ibier 2000! I now realize that it won't work putting them on top of each other without a space between them. Your nest boxes are great, exactly what we were looking for. Thanks again!
     
  19. Jun 19, 2011 #10
    Arielle

    Arielle Chicken Obsessed

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    Nice use of the crates--will have to reconsider using milk crates!
     
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