Look we all want our chickens to be comfortable when they’re laying those delicious eggs that make our breakfast so special. But if you’re new to chicken keeping or expanding your flock you might be wondering exactly how many nest boxes you need to keep your hens happy.
I’ve been raising backyard chickens for years now and I can tell ya that getting the nest box situation right isn’t just about following some strict formula – there’s a bit of chicken psychology involved too!
The Basic Rule of Thumb
The general consensus among chicken keepers is that you need one nest box for every 3-5 hens. This ratio works well for most backyard flocks, but like many aspects of chicken keeping, there’s some flexibility depending on your specific situation.
Some experts even suggest:
- As few as 3 hens per box
- As many as 7 hens per box
Why such a range? Well, it really depends on your specific chickens, their breeds, and their individual personalities. Yes, chickens have personalities too – some can be quite picky about where they lay!
Quick Reference Chart
Here’s a handy chart I’ve put together to help you figure out how many nest boxes you need based on your flock size:
| Number of Hens | Number of Nesting Boxes |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | 1 (preferably 2) |
| 4-5 | 1-2 |
| 6-10 | 2-3 |
| 11-15 | 3-4 |
| 16-20 | 4-5 |
| 21-30 | 6-7 |
| 31-40 | 8-10 |
| 41-50 | 11-13 |
Real Chicken Keepers Weigh In
What’s fascinating is that many chicken owners report that their hens don’t actually use all the available nest boxes. In fact, one backyard chicken forum member shared that out of their nine nest boxes, seven went completely unused! Their hens picked one favorite box, and another was only used by broody hens.
Another chicken keeper with 16 hens mentioned they had 3 nesting boxes, and one consistently went unused. They’d previously had 6 boxes but removed 3 since they were never used.
Even more interesting, someone with 4 nest boxes for 12 hens built a fourth box after seeing hens waiting in line – and reported that “there’s never been an egg laid in the new box.” Chickens can be stubborn about their preferences!
Why Might You Need More Nesting Boxes?
There are several situations where you might want to provide more nest boxes than the minimum recommendation:
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Daily Layers: If all your chickens are laying daily (which happens with young productive hens), you might need more boxes to prevent overcrowding.
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Large Egg Layers: Breeds that lay large eggs may need more space and more boxes.
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Territorial Hens: Some hens can become very protective of “their” nesting box and prevent other hens from using it.
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Multiple Laying Times: Although not all hens lay at the same time, there can be peak laying periods during the day when multiple hens want to lay simultaneously.
Problems With Too Few Nesting Boxes
Skimping on nest boxes can cause real issues in your flock:
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Stress: Hens that don’t have access to a comfortable nesting space can become stressed, which can lead to health problems.
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Decreased Egg Production: Stressed chickens may stop laying altogether.
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Fighting: Not enough boxes can cause fights between hens, which is definitely not what you want in your peaceful backyard flock.
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Broken Eggs: Overcrowded nest boxes increase the risk of eggs getting crushed, which can potentially lead to egg-eating behavior.
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Floor Eggs: Hens that can’t access a nest box may lay their eggs on the floor, where they can get dirty or damaged.
The Curious Case of the Favorite Nesting Box
One of the weirdest things about chickens is their tendency to all prefer the same nest box, even when multiple identical boxes are available. I’ve seen this in my own flock too!
As one chicken keeper with 8 hens reported, “they all use 1 box. But, every once in a while, there will be a line to use that box, and I’ll find an egg in one of the other boxes.”
This behavior is perfectly normal, if a bit puzzling. Chickens are naturally attracted to places where other chickens have laid eggs, which is why many chicken keepers place fake eggs or golf balls in nest boxes to encourage laying.
So, do you really need multiple nest boxes if they’re all going to use the same one anyway? Yes, you do! Having options is important, especially during peak laying times when multiple hens need to lay.
What Size Should Nest Boxes Be?
The size of your nest boxes matters too. For standard-sized chickens, the recommended dimensions are:
- 12″ x 12″ x 12″ for most regular-sized chickens
- 14″ x 14″ x 14″ for larger breeds like Orpingtons
- Smaller boxes for bantams and other small breeds
Some chicken keepers prefer taller boxes, up to 20″ in height, especially for larger breeds. The nest box should be big enough for your hen to turn around comfortably but not so large that multiple hens try to squeeze in (which can lead to broken eggs).
Training Your Hens to Use the Nesting Box
Young hens won’t automatically know they should lay in the nest boxes. They might lay eggs anywhere – in the sand, under bushes, in corners of the coop. To encourage proper nest box use:
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Darkness: Make nest boxes slightly darker than the rest of the coop, as hens prefer secluded places to lay. Nesting box curtains can help with this.
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Fake Eggs: Place a golf ball or a hard-boiled egg in the nest box to encourage laying there.
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Limit Free Ranging: Until your pullets learn to use the nest boxes, consider keeping them in the coop/run area.
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Block Alternative Spots: If your hens have favorite non-nest box spots, temporarily block access to those areas.
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Patience: Give them time – they’ll figure it out eventually!
What to Put in Chicken Nesting Boxes?
Your nest boxes need good bedding to keep eggs clean and prevent breakage. Popular options include:
- Wood shavings (pine or cedar)
- Hay or straw
- Grass clippings
- Shredded paper
- Nesting box pads
Whatever material you choose, make sure it’s deep enough to cradle eggs and prevent them from rolling out. I personally prefer pine shavings because they’re absorbent and help mask odors.
Should Chickens Sleep in Their Nest Boxes?
No! This is one situation where you should definitely discourage your chickens. Hens poop a lot while sleeping, and you don’t want that mess in your nest boxes where the eggs are laid.
Chickens should roost on a roosting bar at night. If your chickens are sleeping in the nest boxes, you might need to:
- Make sure your roosting bars are higher than the nest boxes (chickens prefer to sleep at the highest point)
- Block access to the nest boxes at night until they learn to use the roosts
- Ensure your roosts are comfortable and the right width for your chickens’ feet
My Personal Experience
In my own coop, I started with 1 nest box per 3 hens, which is slightly more than the minimum recommendation. I found that while my hens definitely had their favorite box, having extras prevented any major dramas during peak laying times.
I’ve also noticed that my hens’ preferences change seasonally sometimes. A box they ignore in summer might become popular in winter, possibly due to temperature differences in different parts of the coop.
Final Thoughts
If you’re setting up a new coop, I’d recommend starting with the 1:4 ratio (one nest box for every four hens). This gives your chickens options without wasting space in your coop.
Keep an eye on your flock’s behavior – if you notice hens waiting in line to use nest boxes or finding eggs in unusual places, consider adding another box or two. And don’t be surprised if they all still prefer that one special box despite your best efforts!
Remember, happy hens = more eggs, so making sure your chickens have comfortable places to lay is definitely worth the effort. Here’s to happy hens, a drama-free coop, and plenty of delicious eggs for your breakfast table!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nesting boxes do I need for 4 chickens?
For 4 chickens, you should have at least 1 nesting box, but 2 would be ideal, especially if you have the space. This gives your hens options and prevents any waiting during peak laying times.
How many nesting boxes do I need for 20 chickens?
For 20 chickens, aim for 4-5 nesting boxes. This follows the general rule of one box per 4-5 hens.
Do chickens mind sharing nesting boxes?
No, chickens actually don’t seem to mind sharing nesting boxes at all! In fact, they often prefer to use the same box even when multiple identical boxes are available. However, they usually don’t lay at exactly the same time, so they’ll take turns using their favorite box.
What if my chickens aren’t using all their nesting boxes?
Don’t worry – this is completely normal! Chickens often have strong preferences for particular boxes. As long as there’s no fighting or stress in your flock, and you’re not finding eggs in random places, there’s no need to make changes.
Have you noticed any quirky nesting box behaviors in your flock? Drop a comment below and share your experience – I’d love to hear from fellow chicken keepers!
