When you build a chicken coop, nest boxes must be part of the plans. When you keep chickens, one of the primary reasons is to have fresh eggs regularly. To do this, chickens need a place to nest and lay the eggs. Nesting boxes serve this purpose. If you choose to keep a breed of chicken known for egg laying, it becomes even more important. In North America, the most common type of chicken kept for eggs is the commercial Leghorn breed. However, it is not the only type of egg-laying chicken.

All chickens will lay eggs. All of them are edible. However, egg laying is a specialization that chicken farmers have bred into certain chicken breeds. The Leghorn is only one example. Another is the Ameraucana. This egg-laying breed is one of only a few that produces a blue shell egg. They come in eight different standard colors including the Black, White, Buff, Silver, Wheaten, Blue, Blue Wheaten, and the Brown Red. Most males weight in at 6 to 6.5 pounds while the females are about one pound lighter. When you build a chicken coop, nest options for the Ameraucana is a must.

Another breed that will need a chicken coop nest is the White-Faced Black Spanish. As the name suggests, this bird originated in Spain, although it enjoys popularity in North America and the rest of Europe as well. This bird has glossy black plumage with overlarge white low-hanging ear lobes. They lay eggs of a chalk white color about three times a week. Most of them come in between 6 and 7 pounds. This breed belongs to the Mediterranean class of chickens that includes other breeds such as the Minorca and Castilian. The American Poultry Association recognized them in 1874.

A rather rare breed of chicken known for egg laying in the West is the Orloff. This breed originated in Persia, but gained its name from a Russian Count, Alexey Orlov. It was through the Count’s efforts that the breed came into Europe and the Americas. This breed is one of those that cross between good egg-laying and good meat production. The breed looks more like a game bird with its long legs and a well-feathered head and neck. They have a variety of colors including Black, White, Spangled, and Mahogany. They normally weigh in between 6 and 8 pounds. They will need a chicken coop nest along with plenty of room to move.

Phil J has over 20 years experience in chicken coop nest. To learn more visit http://www.TheChickenCoopPlan.com today!

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