Writing from experience I can say you don't "need" to but I would highly recommend it. putting some straw,hay, lawn clippings or another form of padding will reduce the number of eggs your chickens crack when getting in and out of the nest. Plan on your chickens laying their eggs in the most secluded nests if you aren't sure which ones they are pick the ones that are least convenient for you.
Always provide good nesting and laying boxes. If they continue to lay in strange places, it might take them awhile to figure out what the boxes are for. Try to set objects were they usually lay so they can't lay in that spot.
no !!!!! it will pock the hen
I have found two sources that say at least 18 inches off the ground. I have found that my chickens tend to favor the higher roosting areas, so the 18 inches sounds about right (I am preparing to mount my boxes today).
No The only time I have seen a rooster in a nesting box was when it was sick or injured. The nesting boxes are used for "nesting". Laying eggs or when brooding. The roosters do not do this. If you have a rooster doing this there is something wrong. He is either being harassed by another rooster in the flock or he is hurt or sick. It is easier to protect themselves from harm when in a "sheltered" place.
An Owl Box is a bird house for cavity nesting owls. Find plans and instructions for Owl Boxes by googling.
You will find tons of nesting boxes at B&Q. I think they don't sell type of boxes these But I'm not really sure if they sell nesting boxes only for chicken.
Chicken nesting boxes are usually wooden boxes with some sort of soft padding that chickens like to roost in. If they don't have nesting boxes they will make nests all over the place in the grass.
you cant Try cover the nesting boxes in the evening before they go in to roost.
Make laying boxes or nesting boxes for the hens to lay in. They should catch on to, and prefer the laying boxes on their own.
Depending on how much you are willing to spend, you may be better off trying your hand at building your own nesting boxes. However, if time is crucial and you have money to spare, some good vendors include Stromberg's Chickens and ChickenSaloon.com. Remember to give your chickens ample space!
I have 24 and I have 6 nesting boxes. They share, and a lot of the time they wont even use one
no
Always provide good nesting and laying boxes. If they continue to lay in strange places, it might take them awhile to figure out what the boxes are for. Try to set objects were they usually lay so they can't lay in that spot.
they can
no. i have them they will not use them
Sure
If someone wanted to purchase nesting boxes, there are a variety of places where someone can do so. Some of these places are DIY, Bird Food, Faspak and Oyster UK.