Hens are biologically designed for laying eggs. ... Even the hen who escape from the coop and receive no human care or who are left loose to fend for themselves can also lay eggs if they find enough food. For producing eggs, a healthy hen doesn't need a nesting box, coop, a rooster or anything else.

Does every chicken need a nesting box?

How many: You do not need a nest box for every hen, but you also don't want to provide too few boxes, which can increase the likelihood of drama in your flock and could lead to broken eggs or "yard eggs" being laid outside the nesting boxes. Usually, one nest box for every 4-5 hens is enough.

Do chickens need a box to sleep in?

They just prefer sleeping in a nest

This reason is the most common especially during the winter months or if the birds are of a young age. Chickens might just prefer sleeping in the nest boxes because nests are comfy and cosy, and they can snuggle up close to each other for extra warmth.