Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
same opportunity to scratch that wood shavings do. Scratching is a natural behavior chickens
exhibit as they search and forage for food and explore their surroundings.
Nesting boxes
Hens need nesting boxes to lay their eggs. The standard size is 15 inches long, 15 inches
wide, and 12 inches deep. Some chicken owners get creative and use baskets or something
similar for the boxes. Hay and straw are best to use as filler, and these boxes should be
changed monthly to prevent health problems. The number of nesting boxes depends on how
many chickens you own; one box for four to five hens is adequate. Keeping the boxes at a
slant will help ensure the birds do not roost on top of each other.
For laying hens, the need to nest arises 24 hours after a hormone fluctuation that is a result of
ovulation. A hen — both domestic and wild — naturally will find or build a nest where she
can lay an egg because of this fluctuation. As this behavior is purely biological, it is essential
to provide your hens with the materials they need to nest. Hens without a way to nest may be
frustrated or distressed, depending on the breed.
Lighting
Good lighting is essential in the coop because it promotes maximum egg laying and stimu-
lates egg production, especially in the fall and winter months when the days are shorter. If the
coop is not designed to let in much sunlight, even artificial light will help stimulate egg laying
in hens. Using two 65-watt bulbs will be sufficient for a coop that is 8 feet by 10 feet. Light-
ing also can synchronize pullets to start laying at the same time. FarmTek
(
www.farmtek.com
) offers a variety of lighting fixtures designed specifically for poultry, and
it offers everything from solar lighting to light bulbs to infrared heat lamps.
You should regulate how much light your chicks receive. Guidelines are:
• Chicks up to seven days old should have light 24 hours a day.
• Chicks one to six weeks old should have light eight to 12 hours a day.
• Chicks six to 19 weeks old should have light 12 hours a day.
• Chicks 20 weeks or older should have light 12 to 16 hours a day.
Lighting can induce early egg laying in pullets, so it is necessary to monitor how much they
are exposed to each day. Lights provide warmth for the birds, and you can use timers to regu-
late how much light your chickens receive each day.
