Chicken Nesting Boxes - Rules of Thumb

As a rule of thumb, you should create chicken nesting boxes to ensure that there is one box for every four animals. Each box should be linkeded to the within 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 down to end up below the roosting perch since this is where chickens sit and lay their eggs into the poultry nesting boxes. So as 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 is at least 8 to 10 inches of perching area 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 to ensure the hen will rest on the perch and lay her eggs in the box.

Different kinds of perches:.

· Miniature chickens - use about an inch thick wood.
· Standard 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.

For you to keep the boxes clean, you may prefer to put some roofing shingles or corrugated cardboard in the chicken nesting box. Cardboard is less helpful since the hens can start pecking and chewing on it and can make it dirty, but if you do use it, see to it that you clean it often after the hens have pooped or "done a number 2" basing on what area of the country you come from. If any of the eggs crack in the chicken nesting box, this should be a warning for bacteria growth - Clean it up as soon as possible since you want the cleanest environment for your chicken nesting boxes.

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

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