Chickens need laying boxes, also known as nest boxes, to lay their eggs in safely and comfortably. But how many nest boxes does each chicken really need? Getting the right number of nest boxes for your flock is important for reducing stress preventing fighting and keeping the coop clean. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about providing the optimal number of laying boxes per chicken.
Why Chickens Need Laying Boxes
In the wild, chickens do not use artificial nest boxes. They simply find a secluded, protected spot on the ground and lay their eggs in a shallow nest they create. However, in a coop setting, laying boxes replicate this natural nesting behavior and provide important benefits:
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Safety: Laying boxes keep eggs clean, protected, and in one place for easy collection. Without boxes, eggs could get broken, lost, or soiled around the coop.
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Reduced stress: Chickens feel more relaxed laying in a private, enclosed space. Publicly exposed nests cause anxiety.
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Cleaner coop: Defined nesting areas prevent chickens from laying willy-nilly inside the coop. This keeps the coop cleaner.
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Sense of ownership: Just like with perches and dust bathing spots, chickens establish a sense of ownership over their preferred nest boxes.
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Hatching: Broody hens can successfully hatch eggs in a well-designed laying box.
So in short laying boxes satisfy chickens’ behavioral instincts and make egg management easier for owners. But how many boxes should each chicken have access to?
Laying Box Guidelines Per Chicken
Many factors influence ideal laying box numbers. But a good general guideline is
1 box per every 3-4 hens
However, considerations like coop size, breed, flock age, and broody tendencies can shift the optimal number up or down.
Here are some common laying box recommendations per chicken:
- 1 box per every 2-3 chickens
- 1 box per every 3-4 chickens
- 1 box per every 4-5 chickens
- 1 box per every 5-6 chickens
As you can see, recommendations typically center around 1 box for every 3-5 hens. The sections below explain why you may need more or fewer boxes than these averages.
When To Provide More Boxes Per Chicken
Sometimes you need to offer more laying boxes per hen than the minimum recommendations above. Situations that demand extra nest box space include:
Large Flock Size
The more chickens you have, the more competition there is for preferred nesting spots. Adding extra boxes reduces this competition and aggression in large flocks.
Small Coop Size
Similarly, in smaller coops, congestion makes laying time more stressful. Extra boxes allow more hens to lay simultaneously.
All Young Layers
Pullets laying eggs for the first time often lay indiscriminately without establishing box preferences. Having surplus boxes prevents floor eggs.
Broody Hens
Some hens have strong broody instincts and occupy their box full-time. Extra boxes ensure other hens have access.
Simultaneous Laying Times
If all your hens lay at the same early hour, congestion ensues. More boxes give impatient layers options.
Timid/Low-Ranking Hens
Shy hens at the bottom of the pecking order often wait to lay until bosses finish. More boxes give them safe opportunities.
When You Can Provide Fewer Boxes Per Chicken
On the other hand, some situations allow you to provide fewer nest boxes per chicken:
Medium/Large Coop Size
When space is uncrowded, hens are less likely to fight over boxes.
Established Flock
In flocks that have laid together before, hens have settled box preferences.
Mixed Ages
With hens of different ages, laying is staggered throughout the day reducing congestion.
Docile Breeds
Gentle breeds like Orpingtons or Cochins peaceably share boxes.
No Broody Hens
Without full-time broodies, boxes remain open for rotating hens.
Confident Hens
With strong pecking order, lower-ranked hens are not intimidated from laying.
Nest Box Size Recommendations
In addition to hen-to-box ratios, consider box dimensions. Standard layouts are:
- 12″ wide x 12″ high x 12″ deep
- 16″ wide x 12″ high x 12″ deep
Bigger breeds may need larger boxes up to 20″ wide. Boxes around 20″ deep allow hens to turn around inside.
Make sure boxes offer a cozy, private space while still allowing you to reach in for egg collection. Curtains can further increase privacy.
Community Nest Boxes vs. Individual Boxes
Most coops utilize community nest boxes that multiple hens share. But you can also provide individual boxes for each hen, more like cubbies. This prevents squabbling but takes up more space. Keep in mind not all hens will use their assigned cubby, instead cramming into one crowded box!
Nest Box Position Tips
Where you place nest boxes impacts their popularity:
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Set boxes at hen height for easy access.
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Semi-secluded locations see heavy use.
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Avoid high-traffic areas that expose hens as they lay.
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Easy for hens to survey surroundings before entering.
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Not under perches where hens sleep.
Make Adjustments Over Time
Don’t worry about finding the perfect nest box formula up front. Monitor your flock’s laying habits and make adjustments as needed. Add and remove boxes and observe how your chickens react. Over time, you will discover the optimal configuration to keep your flock happily laying. The right amount of nest boxes per chicken requires fine-tuning!
The ideal number of nest boxes per chicken depends on your unique flock and coop situation. While 1 box per every 3-5 hens serves as a good starting point, observe your chickens’ behavior and make adjustments accordingly. Providing the perfect amount of safe, comfortable laying spots will lead to calm, productive layers and a clean coop environment. Keep tweaking until you find nest box harmony for both you and your flock.
How Many Chickens Per Nesting Box?
A single nesting box can comfortably serve three to five hens, as hens don’t lay all at once. You will often see a couple of hens in the box at once as well.
This flexibility is why you don’t need a box for every hen.
Here are some examples:
- A flock of 6 hens needs 2 nesting boxes.
- With 12 hens, 3 or 4 boxes will usually suffice.
- A large flock of 20 hens should have 4 to 7 boxes, depending on their behaviour.
Start with the general rule, then adjust if you notice your hens bickering or queuing up. Happy hens lay better eggs, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their preferences.
Wondering exactly how many nesting boxes your flock needs?
Use our handy calculator below to get a quick estimate based on your flock size:
Types of Nesting Boxes for Your Flock
Choosing the right nesting box is just as important as knowing how many you need. Here’s a quick guide to our Dine-A-Chook nesting boxes and how many hens they can accommodate:
- Good for: 3–4 hens.
- A must-have for small flocks or as an additional box to prevent squabbles.
- Even if you only have a couple of hens, having at least two of these boxes is ideal. Shop now
- Good for: 6–8 hens.
- Perfect for medium-sized flocks, offering two spaces in one sturdy design. Shop now
- Good for: 3–5 hens.
- Designed to keep eggs clean and make collection hassle-free, it’s slightly bigger than the single nesting box. Shop now
For DIY enthusiasts, see our guide to building nesting boxes.
How many nest boxes per chicken?
FAQ
Is 2 nesting boxes enough for 6 chickens?
A flock of 6 hens needs 2 nesting boxes. With 12 hens, 3 or 4 boxes will usually suffice. A large flock of 20 hens should have 4 to 7 boxes, depending on their behaviour.Nov 25, 2024
How many nesting boxes do you need for 10 chickens?
For a flock of 10 chickens, you generally need 2 to 3 nesting boxes. A good rule of thumb is to provide one nesting box for every four to five hens.
Can you have too many nesting boxes for chickens?
Additionally, if you have hens who go broody, particularly if you want them to go broody and hatch eggs for you, err on the side of too many boxes because whatever boxes your broody hens take will no longer be available to the remaining flock.
How many chickens can lay in one box?
A good rule of thumb is a ratio of one nesting box for every four chickens. Constructing boxes from found materials can save on costs and give character to the backyard coop. Boxes need not be square, but should be roomy enough to contain a laying hen, yet small enough to feel secure.