I have an egg eater currently in the chick coop while I resolve the issue.
I'm swapping the current nest box arrangement for this two nest, roll-away design. I wanted something that would not protrude too much from the coop to keep it under the existing roofline but would be entirely external. They take turns in their preferred box currently so switching to only two nests rather than the 4 they had doesn't seem like a downgrade.
The egg retrieval doorway right now is 48" x 10" so I will remove the door, cut the center out to reattach (blocking access to the egg retrieval zone) and then install this box over the top of the two remaining 12x10 holes.
The next boxes inside will be replaced by a perch in front of the new entrances to the external box. I am simply moving the support brackets from the inside to the outside and using a basic cleat attachment at the top as the weight will be entirely supported from below.
I need to cut my nesting pads -- this roll of artificial turf just happened to be 24" wide and has a direction to the grass so it seemed perfect. I have two more handles to install, a piece of aluminum siding to adhere to the top for a roof, and some little door latches that are beyond raccoon skills and are being delivered tomorrow. Then it will be ready!
This box is built entirely of reclaimed wood, leftover hardware, and scraps so parts are a bit ugly. I used some stainless steel corner brackets my husband got as free samples to reduce the need for extra wood for support and keep the weight down. It's surprisingly light! I am amused by how the egg door window came out.
I relied heavily on Opa's building pictures and I am very thankful for that resource!
I'm swapping the current nest box arrangement for this two nest, roll-away design. I wanted something that would not protrude too much from the coop to keep it under the existing roofline but would be entirely external. They take turns in their preferred box currently so switching to only two nests rather than the 4 they had doesn't seem like a downgrade.
The egg retrieval doorway right now is 48" x 10" so I will remove the door, cut the center out to reattach (blocking access to the egg retrieval zone) and then install this box over the top of the two remaining 12x10 holes.
The next boxes inside will be replaced by a perch in front of the new entrances to the external box. I am simply moving the support brackets from the inside to the outside and using a basic cleat attachment at the top as the weight will be entirely supported from below.
I need to cut my nesting pads -- this roll of artificial turf just happened to be 24" wide and has a direction to the grass so it seemed perfect. I have two more handles to install, a piece of aluminum siding to adhere to the top for a roof, and some little door latches that are beyond raccoon skills and are being delivered tomorrow. Then it will be ready!
This box is built entirely of reclaimed wood, leftover hardware, and scraps so parts are a bit ugly. I used some stainless steel corner brackets my husband got as free samples to reduce the need for extra wood for support and keep the weight down. It's surprisingly light! I am amused by how the egg door window came out.
I relied heavily on Opa's building pictures and I am very thankful for that resource!