SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/chick-nest-box-count

How many nest boxes suit a flock of 10 laying hens?

Provide one nest box for every 4 to 5 hens, so 2 or 3 boxes for 10 hens.

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  1. 10 to 12
  2. 1
  3. 2 to 3 ✔

Why: Hens share nests but still need enough open boxes to lay without fighting. One box per 4 to 5 hens is a practical guide.

Huh, didn't know that: Too few nest boxes can cause broken eggs and hens hiding backyard nests.

The dad joke
Why did the hen take a tape measure to the nest? To make sure it was egg-sact.
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References

Answer: 2 to 3. Hens share nests but still need enough open boxes to lay without fighting. One box per 4 to 5 hens is a practical guide.

  1. Virginia Cooperative Extension: Small-scale Poultry Housing (APSC-186) aaec.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/2902/2902-1092/APSC-186.pdf
    Always provide at least one nest for every 4-5 females in the flock
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Utah State University Extension: Housing Backyard Chickens extension.usu.edu/poultry/research/housing-backyard-chickens
    One nest box is required for each four to five hens.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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