Did I just buy a really stupid nesting box?

[Maria G]

Ok, so I got a bit carried away now that my new coop is finished and looking smashing.

I was planning to buy a big plastic box with a lid for nesting box. But when I got to the store, the plastic box was big, ugly, smelled of plastic chemicals and just put me off. Right next to the ugly box, was a beautiful wicker basket in the perfect size with a simple lid. Whohooo! Little House on the Prairie dreams take over, and off I go with the wicker basket....

Coming to my senses, I am a bit worried that:

• Will it be too cold/drafty? My coop is not insulated, and the winters get pretty cold
• Will the wicker material be a heaven for lice, mites and what not?
• Will I be able to clean it sufficiently?

Silly me!

 

[Mini Meat]

Sound cute, but I think your concerns are valid...

 

[dheltzel]

I think it will work fine. It might get poop embedded in the wicker, but in most coops a little poop is everywhere. As for lice/mites, you can spray it if that ever happens, or try putting mint in the next box to drive them away if you don't like sprays.

Drafts are not an issue, they don't go into the nest to keep warm.

 

[aart]

Insulation is not a concern......cleaning it is.
Don't put anything in the coop that you don't want to end up covered in poop that won't come clean.

 

[Maria G]

Ok, I'll go with beauty over practicality for now The box itself will be outside the chicken area of the coop, so my plan is that they will go inside, lay the egg and exit gracefully so that I can enjoy my pretty nesting box for a while. Then i'll just recycle it in the compost!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!