Chicken Nesting Boxes - Rules of Thumb

As a rule of thumb, you should create chicken nesting boxes so that there is one box in every four animals. Each box should be attached 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 to end up below the roosting perch since this is where chickens sit and lay their eggs into the hen nesting boxes. In order for the hens to have a sitting spot, roosting perches must be built, no less than 18 to 24 inches above the ground. Build them so that there has least 8 to 10 inches of perching area for each 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 that the hen will sit on the perch and lay her eggs in the box.

Different kinds of perches:.

· Miniature chickens - use about an inch thick wood.
· Typical 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 rounded off.

An alternative to wood for the perch is tree branches. Bear 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 helps them keep their little feet snuggly.

For you to keep the boxes clean, you may intend to put some roofing shingles or corrugated cardboard in the chicken nesting box. Cardboard is less desirable since the hens can start pecking and chewing on it and make things dirty, but if you do use it, ensure that you clean it often after the hens have pooped or "performed 2" basing on what part of the country you arise from. If any of the eggs crack in the chicken nesting box, this should be a warning for bacteria growth - Clean it up straightaway since you want the cleanest surrounding for your chicken nesting boxes.

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

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