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While it may surprise you, chickens behave a lot like humans. Like humans, they prefer to live in clean environments. They also enjoy having each portion of their life separated. Chickens want to eat in one space, sleep in another, and play in another – much like humans. Keep this in consideration when building your hen nesting boxes. Hens spend a lot of time nesting, as this is where they will lay their eggs. It is important to provide enough boxes for your entire flock, and to keep them padded and neat. The best place to put your nesters is a bit off the floor, and against a wall, so that chickens can feel surrounded on most sides. Feel free to place a top on the boxes as well. You must have enough boxes for all your hens to use each day. Plan on having one nesting box for every two hens in your flock. If you attempt to use less than this, you may find eggs outside of their nests. If this happens, it is a sign that there are not enough nests and that you should add several more. Most people choose to build their boxes out of wood, but this does not have to be the case. You can build a nester out of any material you have handy. Just be absolutely sure you are making your boxes large enough for a chicken to turn around comfortably in, but small enough for them to feel tight and snug. Don’t forget, if you have more than one size chicken, your nests must be able to accommodate all sizes. If you find a lot of broken eggs, you may need to make your boxes larger. Hens prefer to lay in clean, dry, and dark spaces. Do not place your boxes where they will be in direct sunlight; avoid placing them directly across from a window. If you have windows in your coop, place your boxes underneath the windows instead. It is also important not to place your hen nesting boxes underneath roosting poles, as this is where your chickens go to the bathroom! One of the most important considerations is bedding. 3-4 inches of quality, clean bedding will make your hens very happy. The bedding will be kicked and moved, and padded down after use. Wood chips (pine is recommended), paper shreds, and straw and soft hay make the best types of bedding for your hens. Be sure to spot clean the nests every week, and to clean the entire nest out every six months. Replace bedding as needed. This maintenance will minimize ammonia build-up, which can be hazardous to both you and your chickens. By carefully planning your hen nesting boxes, and keeping them clean and dry your hens will be happy. Happy hens yield more eggs, and it is your responsibility to make sure your hens have a safe and healthy environment to live and nest in. Make your hens comfortable and keep their nests clean for the most egg production possible. Make sure you plan to include hen nesting boxes in the plans for your backyard chicken coop. Hens like to have a nice nesting place and happy hens make happy layers!. You can pick up a FREE Mini-Course about building chicken houses/ that will give you a great deal of information on building chicken coops as well as things to know before raising and keeping chickens.
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