Too small of nest boxes?

[Kazedwards]

So I built 4 nest boxes. 2 sets of 2. The top ones are about 3’ off the ground. They are 12”w x12”d by 10”t. The top boxes are 8” in front and 10” in back. I’m not sure if they are large enough for my standard hens. The biggest is a buff Orpington. They do come out and I could flip them around. I also know I will need to put up some sort of a bar in front to help them get into the top boxes. Do I need to redo them or are they big enough.

The one on the right is flipped backwards

 

[cavemanrich]

This is just my opinion,,
I would make them taller,(16") and also lower them. I would have the lower ones 6 to 8 inches above the floor bedding. Only high enough so that chickens do not scratch/fling bedding into nest-box.
Orpingtons are large chickens. They need to be able to enter and make a U-turn easily.
You would need a landing perch only on the second level.I would also make the second level communal, meaning, make it double wide with no separation between. Just make/fashion 2 nests on same floor-plan. Or simply place bedding, and let chickens form their own nest shape.
How many chickens do you have??? You may notice that most chickens will prefer to use just one(same) if your chicken numbers are low.
WISHING YOU BEST............................

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think they need to be taller, mainly because chickens usually stand as they're laying and this isn't going to give them much headroom. Are they constructed in such a way that you can raise the top a few inches?

I'm also a fan of having nest boxes closer to the ground, seems easier on the chickens, though maybe that's just me.

 

[lazy gardener]

I think you are going to have issues with those boxes. Chickens stand up when they lay an egg. If the hens are rubbing their feathers on the plywood or framing, their feathers will be tattered in no time. Skimping on space in either nest box, coop, or run is a recipe for disaster with birds. Not if, but when.

 

[lazy gardener]

A better option would be to make a single community box, or 2 community boxes if you have adequate height to make them at least 14" tall.

 

[dunnmom]

I agree they are likely too short. Consider you will probably add bedding. Our nest boxes are small, and although they will lay in them, it's a get in and get out kind of deal because they aren't very comfy. Too small for brooding eggs, too. If I could do it again, I'd do it as @lazy gardener suggests.

 

[snow5164]

Not to be a critic but I agree they’re too small, also I’m not a fan of two on top of each other.. and yes a roosting bar in front ... hope you are talented

 

[Peppercorngal]

Well, I think they look just fine! We have boxes that are 12" x 12" and they work just fine. Yes, chickens do stand up to lay, but these have worked for years for all our chickens. I probably wouldn't change them unless you find eggs on the floor or somewhere else. I would, however, put a lip on the top one on the right. The hens like to mess with the bedding and "arrange" it and without a lip it will fall out.

The only other consideration is roosts to make it easy for the girls to get in and out. As you can see ours are a three story configuration but the roosts make it easy to get in. we have roosts at 3 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet and three at 7 feet. Good luck, you have very pretty birds!

 

[cmom]

I think they are fine too. This picture was taken years ago when we built this coop. I have removed the roost bars in front of the nest boxes. The girls were getting up on them at night and roosting and pooping in the nest boxes. They get in them fine without the roosts on them. It's probably easier for them to get into now since I removed the bars. Good luck and have fun...

 

[Kazedwards]

I just going to rebuild them I think. At least make them taller. I can’t really lower them any due to the space in that area. The 2x6 between them is actually a stud for the roof support. There is also a door behind them for access from the outside. Thanks for all the tips everyone