Raising chickens starts with providing them a safe and comfortable home. An essential part of any coop is the nesting box – the special little space where hens lay their eggs.
But when building your coop, how do you determine the perfect nesting box size? Get this wrong, and you’ll set yourself up for all kinds of problems
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about chicken nesting box dimensions. You’ll learn how to choose the right size based on your specific flock, plus discover common nest box issues and solutions.
Let’s get cracking!
Why Size Matters For Chicken Nesting Boxes
Nesting box size impacts both the comfort of your hens and the ease of collecting eggs. Boxes that are too small don’t allow enough room for the hen to turn around or nest comfortably. On the other hand, oversized nests can be difficult for smaller hens to get in and out of.
Getting the proportions just right encourages your chickens to lay eggs in the designated nesting area. This makes daily egg gathering a breeze and helps keep your coop clean.
So whether you’re building new nest boxes or modifying existing ones, use this guide to pick the perfect dimensions. Your feathered ladies will thank you!
What is The Standard Nesting Box Size?
When determining nest box size, you’ll first want to consider your chicken breeds. Larger birds need more room than petite bantam hens.
Here are the standard nesting box dimensions based on chicken size:
- Bantam breeds: 10-12″ W x 10-12″ D x 12″ H
- Standard breeds: 12″ W x 12″ D x 12-14″ H
- Large breeds: 12-14″ W x 12-14″ D x 14-16″ H
As a general rule, allow 1 square foot of floor space per hen. For example, a nest for 3-4 standard chickens would be 12″ x 12″.
But remember, these are just guidelines. Pay attention to each hen’s comfort level and make adjustments if needed. Some hens may prefer tight quarters while others like to stretch out.
Chicken Nesting Box Size Chart
To make it easy, here’s a size chart for nesting boxes based on chicken breed size:
| Chicken Size | Nest Box Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Bantam | 10-12″ W x 10-12″ D x 12″ H |
| Standard | 12″ W x 12″ D x 12-14″ H |
| Large | 12-14″ W x 12-14″ D x 14-16″ H |
- Bantam breeds include: Belgian d’Anver, Dutch, Japanese, Serama
- Standard breeds include: Australorp, Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red
- Large breeds include: Brahma, Cochin, Jersey Giant, Langshan
Again, these are just guidelines. Make adjustments up or down an inch or two based on your specific hens.
How Many Nesting Boxes Per Chicken?
Along with size, you’ll need to determine the right number of nest boxes for your flock. Here are some tips:
- For flocks up to 6 hens, plan for 2-3 nesting boxes total
- For 6-12 hens, allow 3-4 nesting boxes
- For larger flocks, allocate 1 box per every 4-5 hens
It’s better to have too many boxes than not enough. Overcrowding in the nests can lead to stress, injuries, and even chickens refusing to use the boxes.
Also, some hens prefer privacy for egg laying while others are social. Having options helps reduce competition and aggression.
Best Nesting Box Dimensions For Broody Hens
Broody hens need a larger nesting area than usual to incubate eggs comfortably.
For broodiness, the ideal nest size is:
- 14″ W x 14″ D
- 16-18″ H on the sides
- 4-6″ lip in the front
This allows enough room for the hen to turn the eggs and settle in for the long haul. Just be sure to remove the front barrier once the chicks hatch so they can easily exit.
Chicken Nesting Box Placement
Where you place the nesting boxes in your coop also impacts usage. Hens like a quiet, secluded spot away from foot traffic and other activities.
Try positioning nests in a dim corner or along the wall, protected by curtains. And avoid putting boxes directly under perches where hens sleep.
The ideal height is between 16-24 inches off the ground. This prevents eggs from getting dirty but is still accessible for hens.
Make adjustments if your chickens don’t seem comfortable with the location. Sometimes you have to experiment a bit until finding that ideal nesting spot.
Building Your Own Chicken Nesting Box
Constructing your own nest boxes allows you to customize the size to your flock. Here are some tips:
- Use moisture-resistant wood like cedar or pine for durability
- Add a roof with a 45° slope to deter roosting
- Include a perch or landing bar in front for easy entry
- Attach curtains for privacy and coziness
For flooring, cover the bottom with 2-4 inches of bedding material like straw, wood shavings, or sand. This cushioning helps protect eggs and absorbs messes.
And don’t forget to make your nest box accessible. Add a hatch or door for easy cleaning and egg collection.
Common Nesting Box Problems and Solutions
Even when sized appropriately, nest boxes can develop some issues. Here are some common problems and fixes:
Problem: Hens avoiding nest boxes
Solution: Add golf balls or wooden eggs to attract them, lower/relocate boxes
Problem: Hens roosting on nest boxes
Solution: Slope roof at 45° angle, remove any perches on top
Problem: Eggs getting broken
Solution: Add more bedding, install perch for soft landings
Problem: Eggs getting dirty
Solution: Raise box height, add curtains, keep bedding clean
Problem: Eggs freezing
Solution: Insulate boxes, add curtains, position out of wind
Problem: Predators
Solution: Seal cracks, cover openings, install latch on door
Problem: Overcrowding
Solution: Add more nesting boxes based on flock size
FAQs About Chicken Nesting Box Size
Here are answers to some common questions about nest box dimensions:
How big should a chicken nesting box be for 5 chickens?
For 5 standard chickens, provide 2-3 nesting boxes that are 12″ W x 12″ D x 12-14″ H.
Can a nesting box be too big?
Yes, oversized nests meant for multiple hens can result in more broken eggs. But an inch or two bigger than recommended isn’t a major problem.
How tall should a chicken nesting box be?
Height depends on breed size, but typically between 12-18 inches is sufficient. Make sure to account for bedding depth.
Should nesting boxes be elevated?
Yes, ideally 16-24 inches off the ground to deter pests and keep eggs clean. Provide a perch or steps for easy access.
The Right Nest Box Size Matters
As you can see, taking the time to choose appropriate nesting box dimensions will make your chickens and you much happier!
Use this guide to pick the perfect size and style for your flock. And don’t be afraid to make adjustments until your hens are comfortably laying their eggs in the nesting area.
With the right setup, you’ll make egg collection a breeze while keeping your ladies content. So go gather your tools and lumber and start crafting the ultimate nest box for your chickens!
Chicken Nest Box Size and Placement
Location: Hens like to lay in a dark, safe area away from the traffic of the flock. Their nesting boxes should be placed off the ground at least a few inches. This provides the laying hens with privacy and keeps other birds away from the eggs. This higher elevation also may provide protection from some predators.
Its also important that they be lower than the lowest roosting poles in your coop. Chickens seek the highest roost for security at night. If your nest boxes are higher than your perches, some birds may sleep (and poop!) in them. This can cause them to dirty the eggs and potentially making them unsafe for eating.
Size: In general all poultry nesting boxes should be cozy without being tight. Adjust nest box sizes for different chicken breeds due to their varying sizes in your flock. The smallest box we would recommend for standard-sized breeds would be 10 inches cubed. Most commercial nest boxes for standard breeds are roughly 11 or 12 inches cubed. A little smaller would okay for bantams; 11″ – 12″ cubed should be large enough even for bigger birds like Cochins, Orpingtons, etc.How many: You do not need a nest box for every hen but you also dont want to provide too few boxes. Doing so can increase the likelihood of drama in your flock and could lead to broken eggs or “yard eggs” being laid outside the nesting boxes. Usually, one nest box for every 4-5 hens is enough. It is not uncommon for all the hens to lay in one or two favorite nesting boxes, even when youve provided many other nesting options!
Location: Ducks cannot climb very well, so their nests should be placed on the ground. If it must be elevated, make sure it is no more than a few inches off the ground, and watch your ducks to make sure they can get inside without any trouble and without risking injury. (Muscovies are a possible exception to this, since they may actually prefer higher nesting areas including elevated nesting boxes, trees, hay lofts, etc.). Place duck nest boxes out of high-traffic, wet, or dirty areas. To keep them clean and dry, put nests on one side of the coop or run area and waterers on the other.
Photo credit: Sasha Fox
Size: Duck nest boxes need to be big enough for a bird to get in, turn around, and sit, but not much bigger. Generally, ducks need larger nest boxes than chickens. 12 to 18 inches cubed is a good size. Make sure the box is not big enough for two or more ducks, especially if you want the ducks to incubate the eggs. Multiple ducks nesting in the same box can lead to broken eggs and/or poor hatch rates since the eggs may get cold between the moms. Also, when the eggs hatch, the mother ducks wont know which ducklings belong to them.
How many: If you are collecting eggs every day, one box for every 3-5 females should be sufficient. If you are using the boxes for natural incubation, each brooding female will need their own box. Bear in mind that ducks may not cooperate and choose to lay outside the nest boxes, no matter what you do. They can be stubborn like that!
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Nest box sizes and placement are different for chickens, ducks, and geese. Providing your birds with the correct number of nesting boxes that are sized and situated properly can help ensure that your flocks eggs remain fresh and clean and are easy to collect in a timely manner. You can find tips for all three types of birds below.