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

About what size nest box suits most standard laying hens?

A box about 12 by 12 inches works for most standard hens.

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  1. About 12 by 12 inches ✔
  2. About 6 by 6 inches
  3. About 36 by 36 inches

Why: A hen needs room to step in, turn and sit comfortably. Kentucky Extension says nest boxes are typically 12 inches wide, high and deep.

Huh, didn't know that: Penn State warns that a box that is too big lets several hens crowd in, which breaks more eggs.

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Why did the hen redecorate the nest? It wanted more egg-sit space.
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References

Answer: About 12 by 12 inches. A hen needs room to step in, turn and sit comfortably. Kentucky Extension says nest boxes are typically 12 inches wide, high and deep.

  1. University of Kentucky Extension: Urban Poultry (ASC-241) publications.ca.uky.edu/files/ASC241.pdf
    The nest boxes are typically 12 inches wide x 12 inches high x 12 inches deep
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Penn State Extension: Small Scale Poultry Housing extension.psu.edu/small-scale-poultry-housing
    Never make the box too large or multiple birds will try to enter and increase egg breakage.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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