Cleaning the old coop

[jthornton]

Have seen them:
https://www.eggcartonstore.com/Chicken-Tractor-Nest-Box-p/tecs-ns-fs3.htm

I also think 5 gal buckets are too small for optimal chicken comfort,
but some folks(well, their birds) use and like them.<shrugs>
It's an easy solution for folks who don't like to design and/or build stuff.

View attachment 1406481

Would that be large enough for a bantam size bird? After watching my RIR pullets inside my nest box I'd never make them use a 5 gallon bucket.

JT

 

[aart]

Would that be large enough for a bantam size bird? After watching my RIR pullets inside my nest box I'd never make them use a 5 gallon bucket.

JT

Would probably work for bantams.
My only experience with the bucket was with a small and slim EE and a chunky brahma, both newly laying pullets.
The EE didn't like the way her tail bent so far when trying to turn around and get settled,
the brahma walked in and backed right back out a couple times then never went in again.
I offered them larger choice right away(14x14x16 flat bottomed box) and gave up on bucket nests.

 

[Finnie]

Have seen them:
https://www.eggcartonstore.com/Chicken-Tractor-Nest-Box-p/tecs-ns-fs3.htm

I also think 5 gal buckets are too small for optimal chicken comfort,
but some folks(well, their birds) use and like them.<shrugs>
It's an easy solution for folks who don't like to design and/or build stuff.

View attachment 1406481

OhhKay, I think I've seen pop up ads for these too. Here is my solution for not wanting/having time to build a nest box when one was needed. A lot cheaper too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...litter+box&dpPl=1&dpID=31Y6TZve2EL&ref=plSrch

I actually got this idea from the beginning pages of the "poop board convert" thread.

Although I found with the litter box, you have to be careful where you place it, because if a hen really wants to go behind it, she will scratch it and push it and knock it over to get it out of her way. She broke about a half a dozen eggs doing that one day. Screwing it in place would solve that problem.

 

[kdk1101]

The buckets are temporary. At the moment we have 2 houses and until the other one closes I have to make do with the old coop and my goal is to make it safe for them. Once we don't have two sets of bills I plan to start on a better coop.

 

[beccaWA]

Chickens are not perching birds, so I would suggest untreated 2x4's for roosts. If they have to curl their toes around under a branch, they cannot cover their toes in winter risking frostbite. It's also more natural and comfortable for them to have their feet flat when roosting. (The 4 inch part of the board should be where they put their feet, not the narrow 2 inch part)

 

[GC-Raptor]

I use 2x3s wide side up, for my Golden Comets. No frozen toes past two winters. -13 Fahrenheit first winter, -15 last winter. GC

 

[jthornton]

Chickens are not perching birds, so I would suggest untreated 2x4's for roosts. If they have to curl their toes around under a branch, they cannot cover their toes in winter risking frostbite. It's also more natural and comfortable for them to have their feet flat when roosting. (The 4 inch part of the board should be where they put their feet, not the narrow 2 inch part)

I wonder why my neighbors free ranging chickens prefer to roost in trees at night summer and winter...

JT