Mine are old 200 lb mineral licky tubs for horses. The horses were finished with them anyways. We attached them to the barn frame with screws that had huge washers to brace them, there's three of those screws so they won't wiggle. There is a lip around the inside edge where we put some scrap wood to make the edge to prevent rolling eggs, just sawed corners and sort of shaped them and screwed them in. There are some scrap 2x4 pieces to serve as perches for them to jump up without having to jump directly inside. I had been using these tubs on the ground and bracing them with boards, but the dogs would not leave the nests alone on the ground. Turkey eggs are just too tempting for them, especially Apollo. Zeus knows I want the eggs but will take them if I am not there.
I'm glad the emus were there to protect her!
I got rid of 4 spare toms and jakes at a farm swap today. Now the only male who free ranges the yard is my “yard dog” Spaghetti.
