Do nesting boxes need to be covered?

[countrygirlwannabe]

I have a very small coop in my backyard for 2-3 hens. I have some 12 week old light sussex that are obviously not laying yet, but our coop has open nesting boxes. Is this ok? I was looking at a lot of the coop designs and many of them showed covered/enclosed nesting boxes. I would love to hear some opinions.

 

[speckledhen]

No, they don't. Most of mine are not and they seem to prefer those to ones that are, depending on their mood. Uncovered ones are much cooler in the hot months.

 

[johnwinters]

No. As long as they are not hungry they should have no interest in eating eggs.

 

[chickenpredatorkiller]

No. As long as they are not hungry they should have no interest in eating eggs.

umm... im pretty sure thats not what he asked.​