Is 15” too big for nesting box width?

[Ragfrey]

Question:
Is 15” too big for nesting box width?

I picked up these durable plastic shelving boxes that I think may be perfect for my future chickens.

In my research, the ideal width is between 12”-14” for regular size hens.

If I build 4 nesting boxes, is that good for 11 hens? I may add a couple more later on but I am sticking with 11 for now.

I plan one of the following:

Black Copper Maran- dark egg
Welsummer- dark egg
Buckeye- brown egg
Spec Sussex- cream egg
Blue laced Wyandotte- cream egg
Golden laced Wyandotte- cream
Silver laced Wyandotte- cream
Starlight green Egger-green egg
Blue Andalusian- white egg
Easter Egger- ? egg
Prairie blue Egger- blue egg


Possible alternates are:
Australorp- brown egg
Ameraucana- blue/olive egg
Cream Legbar- blue egg

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Not to big. Relax.

 

[DLA]

That size should be fine, I have one that's open like that and one repurposed large covered cat litterbox. As long as it's in a quiet, secluded area of the coop. Mine don't seem to have a preference. You probably only need 2 or 3 max for 11 hens. I have 9 and 2 nesting boxes are more than enough.

 

[Ragfrey]

Not to big. Relax.

Hahaha….I know. That’s that Army in me- do it according to SOP.

Thanks.

 

[Ragfrey]

That size should be fine, I have one that's open like that and one repurposed large covered cat litterbox. As long as it's in a quiet, secluded area of the coop. Mine don't seem to have a preference. You probably only need 2 or 3 max for 11 hens. I have 9 and 2 nesting boxes are more than enough.

Okay.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[drangle]

the only danger i can see of one being too big is if multiple hens can fit in it. I think this is only a problem when one is trying to brood and another wants to take over the nest.

 

[Mr Spot]

Question:
Is 15” too big for nesting box width?

I picked up these durable plastic shelving boxes that I think may be perfect for my future chickens.

In my research, the ideal width is between 12”-14” for regular size hens.

If I build 4 nesting boxes, is that good for 11 hens? I may add a couple more later on but I am sticking with 11 for now.

I plan one of the following:

Black Copper Maran- dark egg
Welsummer- dark egg
Buckeye- brown egg
Spec Sussex- cream egg
Blue laced Wyandotte- cream egg
Golden laced Wyandotte- cream
Silver laced Wyandotte- cream
Starlight green Egger-green egg
Blue Andalusian- white egg
Easter Egger- ? egg
Prairie blue Egger- blue egg


Possible alternates are:
Australorp- brown egg
Ameraucana- blue/olive egg
Cream Legbar- blue egg

View attachment 3523701

I use milk crates, they are 12x12, I just cut a piece of quarter inch plywood to fit in the bottom and fill it up with hay. I have 3 in the coop right now and six hens that are laying.

 

[rosemarythyme]

15" is fine. My nest boxes are all 14.5" cubed and I personally think it makes it easier for them to turn around and get comfier in a bigger box. My flock does not share nests.

 

[Ragfrey]

the only danger i can see of one being too big is if multiple hens can fit in it. I think this is only a problem when one is trying to brood and another wants to take over the nest.

I thought about that, and then if they go Mike Tyson vs each other in there- they will break eggs. I guess that does not happen as much as I read

 

[Ragfrey]

I use milk crates, they are 12x12, I just cut a piece of quarter inch plywood to fit in the bottom and fill it up with hay. I have 3 in the coop right now and six hens that are laying.

I thought about this. Great suggestion!!