Average size for hen box?

[myxpykalix]

I built a chicken coop for one of my tennants and now she wants some boxes for the chickens to roost in. What is the average size that you would make the box for them (length, width, height)?:confused:

[MogulTx]

I dunno. What's a hen weigh?

NYUK NYUK NYUK!

( I have several in the chicken coop. I'll measure.)

[myxpykalix]

You knucklehead.....why i oughta.....:D

[genek]

Jack the simple box is the same size of a milk crate, that is what we used all the time on the farm. was old milk crates...filled with straw. and pushed down.

[genek]

Jack chickens do not roost in boxes they lay eggs in boxes, they like to roost on limbs or branches we used strips of wood that went across the coop and staggered down at a angle.

[myxpykalix]

Now Eugene i guess that shows you that my experience with chickens is usually limited to deciding whether i want them spicy or mild, extra crispy or regular!

Now the question...you say the box should be the same size as a milk crate, so what was the size of a milk crate? I wasn't raised on a farm so excuse the ignorance on relative sizes.:D

[gerryv]

Sounds like an "expansion" opportunity for /RB @ Habitat for Bats... or is that eggspansion?

[genek]

Jack when I go out to the store today I will look at the milk crates and see how big they are. or you can take 4 gallon jugs add about half inch space between them and measure the square... that should do most chickens..

the height is not a big factor so long as it is at least 6 inches that is all that is needed. hens like to think they are alone when laying.. so if you put them side by side you will need to make a box with just a whole cut in one side.

Jack you do know what hole the egg comes out of the chicken don't you... most city folks don't... jack they have laying boxes for sale on the internet. you can Google them and look at one.

[MogulTx]

Got distracted and didn't get a measurement last night. If they are the same as a milk crate then they would be 12 x 12 opening that is 10.5-11" deep.
You'd need a front that is probably 2.5 to 3.5" high so the straw does not get pushed out too easily...

[harryball]

Jack,

Our nest boxes are 13 wide x 15 deep x 11 high

But it depends on the size of the hen

Regular --- or --- Super Sized! :D

[harryball]

Jack,

Here is a good resource my son uses.

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/pictures-of-chicken-nesting-boxes-how-to-build-a-nest-box

We built our next boxes standalone and hang them sort of like you would on slat wall. Making them removable makes them easier to clean.

If you have "normal" sized hens then 12x12 works well. But for Jersey Giants the extra few inches makes a big difference for them. Smaller hens will use the larger nest boxes, just stuff a little extra straw in them so they feel cozy.

/RB

[myxpykalix]

Thanks Harry that helps alot...