Just some pictures of some new nest boxes I have just made up. I haven't used any specific size, my size was governed, by the fact that I had numerous pieces of Masonite this size [sides of boxes] which were used with my bees, which I no longer have any need for, so I used them up here. I have had successful raising of up to 6 young, without problems.

 

 

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s133/gr...666/boxes-1.jpg

May I add a few things.

 

It is very important to check the nest box daily. I do it twice a day. Once in the morning and the other in the afternoon. But don't constantly check the box. If you are constaintly checking, the egg might go cold or addled as the hen is frightened from the nest, or the chicks might not be fed properly.

 

Also here are two links to 18 day calendars. 18 Day Calendar (Normal Year) & 18 Day Calendar (Leap year) both are excel Sheet Sheets.