Cat boxes- new use!

[tn_artist]

As I was taking some big, plastic, cat litter containers out for recycling, I thought, "maybe it wouldn't be too hard to remove the top and have some spare buckets. After getting the larger of the top part off, it kind of looked like a nesting box. I put a couple out yesterday to see what would happen. They are checking them out!

Can you think of anything I could do to improve it for them? Will it make a difference that they are not dark?

 

[cleoandtheflock]

It shouldn’t make too much a difference it isn’t aren’t dark inside.
Also that’s a pretty hen!

 

[tn_artist]

Thank you. Her name is Icy and she is one of two that have started to lay. Porcelain color is my favorite.

 

[aart]

Can you think of anything I could do to improve it for them?

Did you sand down the edge from removing the bigger part of the lid?
Make sure they are stable and can't tip or roll over.
Is that a bantam bird?
I think those buckets are too small for LF breeds to use as nests.

 

[mesalina87]

You could paint the outside black or cover in in cloth to darken it for them. I use saw dust and/or straw in mine. She is beautiful.

 

[tn_artist]

Did you sand down the edge from removing the bigger part of the lid?
Make sure they are stable and can't tip or roll over.
Is that a bantam bird?
I think those buckets are too small for LF breeds to use as nests.

I did not sand it, but I will. I was too excited to see if it would even work.

Most of my birds are bantams. OEGB, d'Uccles, and a smattering of other small birds. I have a pre-fab coop for my other flock and the boxes are smaller than these buckets. It said it was made for up to 8 standard chickens.
Also, the buckets are bigger than the nests that were in a manufactured 10 nest that my ex and I had with our RIR flock.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Great idea. I think I would make the lip wider somehow so their feet will be more comfortable when grabbing it.

 

[tn_artist]

Great idea. I think I would make the lip wider somehow so their feet will be more comfortable when grabbing it.

I thought of a small pool noodle, but figured they may eat it. Any ideas?

 

[aart]

It said it was made for up to 8 standard chickens.

Certainly you know that MFG's lie about population estimates.

I thought of a small pool noodle, but figured they may eat it. Any ideas?

Yes, they would probably eat pool noodle.
1/2" plastic tubing slit along the length might work.

 

[tn_artist]

Certainly you know that MFG's lie about population estimates.

Yes, they would probably eat pool noodle.
1/2" plastic tubing slit along the length might work.

Yes they lie to sell, but the best boxes are still smaller than the litter boxes. I think I may have some PVC pipes in the shed. Good idea. Thanks!