As far as the nest boxes are concerned...?

[newchik715]

I know I should slant the roof to preventing poo and roosting. I know I need a 'lip' to keep in shavings. I know I need a little roost along the front so they can get up and I know the nest boxes need to be lower then the lowest roost. So if my lowest roost is 14" off the ground then can I have the nest boxes almost flush with the floor of the coop to make them lower than said roost? Will the girls use them if they are that low?

 

[Kittymomma]

Mine are stacked with the lowest ones on the floor. Some of my hens use the low boxes, but most prefer the upper ones. I think they'll use them though if they don't have any options higher up.

 

[stupondo]

I have two double stacked nesting boxes placed at opposite ends of the coop-mine girls do and maybe they are just lazy but they use them more than the two above

 

[newchik715]

SO it is probably just going to depend on the chickie eh?

 

[Kittymomma]

They'll use what you give them... at least mostly, some of them can be a little dense. I don't know how many boxes you're planning on, but I was reading a thread awhile back and they were using covered cat boxes that were purchased at a garage sale or thrift store. I think it was the dome style so no perching/pooping problems, but lots of privacy. Easy to get the eggs too since all she had to do was lift the lid off and pick up them up. That reminds me--My least favorite thing about the nestboxes that are level with the floor is having to kneel down there to collect eggs.