How Many Nesting Boxes for 5 Chickens? The Complete Guide

For 5 chickens, you should provide at least 2 to 3 nesting boxes to ensure comfort and reduce competition during laying.

If you’re raising a small flock of 5 chickens, you might wonder how many nesting boxes they need. The short answer is 1-2 boxes, but there’s more to consider for happy, productive hens. This guide covers everything from box placement to training your flock.

Nesting boxes for 5 chickens in a cozy coop

How Many Nesting Boxes Do 5 Chickens Need?

For 5 chickens, most experts recommend:

  • Minimum: 1 nesting box
  • Ideal: 2 nesting boxes

While chickens often prefer using just one “favorite” box, having two prevents competition during peak laying times. Research from Backyard Chickens shows that even with multiple boxes available, hens frequently choose to wait for a preferred spot rather than use empty boxes.

Why Two Boxes Work Best for Small Flocks

With 5 chickens:

  • 3-4 will likely be laying hens (if mixed ages)
  • Most lay in morning hours
  • Peak times create traffic jams

Having two boxes prevents stress and floor eggs. As noted in our article on training chickens to use nesting boxes, proper setup reduces unwanted laying behaviors.

Nesting boxes for five chickens needed

Nesting Box Size Requirements

Box dimensions matter for comfort and egg safety:

Chicken Size Box Dimensions
Standard breeds 12″x12″x12″
Large breeds (Orpingtons, etc.) 14″x14″x14″
Bantams 10″x10″x10″

Special Considerations for Different Breeds

Some breeds have unique needs:

  • Barred Rocks: May need slightly larger boxes
  • Silkies: Prefer more enclosed spaces
  • Easter Eggers: Often particular about nesting material

Placement and Setup Tips

Ideal Location

Place boxes:

  • In darkest corner of coop
  • At least 18″ off the ground
  • Away from roosts and feeders

Nesting Materials

Best options include:

  1. Pine shavings (most popular)
  2. Straw (good insulation)
  3. Hemp bedding (naturally pest-resistant)

Avoid cedar shavings as they can cause respiratory issues. For more on bedding, see our guide on hemp bedding for chickens.

Training Chickens to Use Nesting Boxes

New layers often need guidance:

5 Training Techniques

  1. Place ceramic eggs in boxes
  2. Confine hens to coop until afternoon
  3. Move any floor eggs to boxes
  4. Use consistent nesting material
  5. Block alternative nesting spots

Common Problems and Solutions

Eggs Laid Outside Boxes

If hens aren’t using boxes:

  • Check for mites in boxes
  • Ensure boxes are dark enough
  • Add more appealing nesting material

Multiple Hens in One Box

This normal behavior becomes problematic when:

  • Eggs get broken
  • Hens stop laying
  • Feathers get pulled

Solutions include temporarily separating hens or adding a third box until the phase passes.

Seasonal Considerations

Nesting needs change with seasons:

Winter

  • Add extra insulation
  • Check for drafts
  • Prevent moisture buildup

Summer

  • Ensure proper ventilation
  • Watch for mites
  • Provide shade

For more on seasonal care, see our article on keeping chickens cool in heat.

DIY Nesting Box Ideas

Creative, low-cost options:

Repurposed Items

  • Plastic storage bins
  • Wooden crates
  • Old drawers

Built-In Features

  • Rollaway egg collection
  • Removable floors for cleaning
  • Adjustable partitions

Remember that whatever design you choose, the key factors are privacy, comfort, and easy access for egg collection.