Chicken Nesting Boxes - Rules of Thumb

As a rule of thumb, you should create chicken nesting boxes so there is one box per four animals. Each box should be attached to the inside of the box, located approximately 18 inches and 24 inches above the ground so the eggs can be easily grabbed and have a sloping top that slopes to end up below the roosting perch since this is where chickens sit and lay their eggs into the poultry nesting boxes. In order for the hens to have a sitting space, roosting perches must be built, no lower than 18 to 24 inches above the ground. Build them so there has least 8 to 10 inches of perching area for every chicken.

Materials needed:

Exterior grade 2x4 plywood, unstained (12 inches deep, 12 inch width, 12 inch length on side mount to inside of chicken nesting box).
Build the roosting perch, about an inch up from one end of the nesting box so the hen will sit on the perch and lay her eggs in the box.

Different types of perches:.

· Miniature chickens - use about an inch thick wood.
· Regular size chickens - use about 2 inch thick wood.
· Heavy breeds - use flat roosts and make their perches out of 2x4s with the wide side flat and corners finished off.

An alternative to wood for the perch is tree branches. Keep in mind that for cold climates, some farmers will make perches with flat 2x4 wood so the chickens can sit flat on their feet. This enables them to keep their little feet snuggly.

In order to keep the boxes clean, you may prefer to put some roofing shingles or corrugated cardboard in the chicken nesting box. Cardboard is less agreeable since the hens can start pecking and chewing on it and make things dirty, but if you do use it, see to it you clean it often after the hens have pooped or "done a number 2" according to what area of the country you come from. If one of the eggs crack in the chicken nesting box, this should be a sign for bacteria growth - Clean it up at once since you want the cleanest surrounding for your chicken nesting boxes.

While making chicken nesting boxes can be difficult, remember that with the proper training this problem could be easily overcome. It can be made easily if you have the right training!

for more info https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_coop
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