Do nesting boxes need to be covered?

[mommabird]

We are finalizing our coop design so we can get started on the construction and I was wondering...do nesting boxes need to be covered (as in having some sort of top to them)? Or is a "cubby" area good (surround by 3 sides)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hawkeye95]

We are finalizing our coop design so we can get started on the construction and I was wondering...do nesting boxes need to be covered (as in having some sort of top to them)? Or is a "cubby" area good (surround by 3 sides)?

Thanks in advance!

They don't need to be, and it might really depend on how many birds you are having and what kind of set up you are doing. Are you doing boxes on the floor, or mounted to the wall... or exterior? I have a box on the floor for my broody silkie. Works great for her. But my big birds would walk all over anyone that was on the floor without sides and a top. They just run over everyone. I have an external box for my big birds.

This one is a very low box-- but no one is really around to run her over.

This is my "big girl" box for the large ladies that aren't so docile and gentle.