what size

[cityfarm47714]

I have one rooster (for now) and 7 hens (for now)....You might ask whats with the (for now) well we are only allowed 6 and highly suggested no rooster, though i do not think it is against ordinance; regardless we will be down to 6 soon.

we are currently set up with a temporary coop. And quickly coming up on egg laying age. (if you are wondering, yes this is a dog kennel and yes those are extra large dog houses. All chickens enter of their own accord at bedtime and we shut the gate for their protection. But we need to know should we build 6 nesting boxes or less. I have reviewed the coops section of the site. So many wonder coops... wonderful too.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The general rule of thumb is one nest box for every 4 hens. I'd build two.

They will probably mostly use just one, but the second will probably get some use and gives you a bit of flexibility is something happens, like a broody. My 9 laying hens use just two of the three nesting boxes provided, but occasionally the third one has an egg.