[jason g]

hi, i`m in the middle of building my own coop,and would like to know how many nest boxes for 6 chickens .3 rireds and 3 sussex

[joyfull]

2 or 3 will be sufficient - mind you it doesn't matter how many you let them have they will all want to use the same one 

[corynsboy]

I've read lots about this.  I'm about to put my nest boxes in to my coup (I have 14, 3 month old Buff Orpingtons).  I'm beginning to think that a nesting shelf area might be a better idea that the two small double nest boxes that have just been donated to us.

Any thoughts?

[GrannieAnnie]

Generally hens like to feel nice and safe and cosy in their dark little nest boxes, which is why you'll probably find 6 all trying to get into 1!

1 nest box is generally okay for about 5 hens though, but I do know a lot of people just use cat litter trays, boxes, anything they have going really!

[Tazzy]

I have 5 adult birds (although with 8 five week old chicks this may have to be changed  ) and they have 3 nest boxes. I frequently find 2 of them bunking down to lay their eggs at the same time, and have found 4 of them in one box, with one of them lying on top of the other 3. No doubt if they had only 1 nest box they would send me a letter of complaint   

Agree with Joyful, 2 or 3 boxes should be plenty for your girls

[Fisherman]

I have 5 hens and 3 nest boxes of which only 2 are used and one of them much more than the other. All 5 hens generally lay in one box unless its occupied with 2 or 3 hens. In this case a hen desperate to lay will use the other box.

I would say 2 nest boxes will be more than adequate for 6 hens but 3 will give you spare capacity if you increase your stock.

[Jeanette]

They normaly sat that 3 chickens to one nesting box but my chickens never read the bookor watched the video and all share one box.

[jason g]

thanks for the replies