Information on - Nest boxes

One nest box, 250 mm high, 300 mm wide and 300 mm deep should be provided for every 5–6 birds. Figure 1.5. Nest boxes may be placed about 600 mm above the floor and be fitted with a landing platform or perch for the birds to land on before entering the nest.

Fig. 1.5 If a wire grille platform is used this can be hinged to form a door to keep the hens out of the nests during the night. This will prevent the nest litter becoming fouled and help keep the eggs clean. If the hens are allowed to roost in the nests it will take about 3 weeks to break the habit. The nests should be as dark as possible and should contain clean straw, wood shavings or rice hulls. The nest can be set lower than 600 mm or may even be at floor level. This is preferable for fowls of heavy breeds, which are not inclined to lay their eggs in high nests. If you place a couple of plastic eggs in the nests before your pullets start to lay, it will encourage them to lay in the nests and not on the floor.

Feederers space Grower 7.5 cm (3) linear space/Bird Layer 10.0cm (4") linear space /Bird

Waterer 2.5 cm (1") /Bird

Floor Grower 0.18 m2/Bird (2 square feet) Layer 0.225 m2/ Light breed Bird (2.5 sq.ft) 0.315 m2/ Heavy breed Bird (3.5 sq.ft)