External nesting box for easy egg collection - READ THIS

[ChicKat]

Instead of seeing the happy broody and her chicks this morning, I saw the horror of raccoon invasion. Every single one dead and gone.

Here's how the raccoon got in - the external nesting box has a thin piece of wood that makes the base. The raccoon or raccoons found a way to lift the board at an angle so that they could get in -- they killed the hen and all her chicks. I had thought they were safe in this little broody coop. -- If you have external nesting box - and the bottom is exposed...nail or screw it in so that raccoons or other predator can not lift it and gain entry.

 

[Kernel Cluck]

Wow, I am very sorry. I would not have thought about that. I do have an external nesting box. I am going to secure it today.

 

[ChicKat]

Wow, I am very sorry. I would not have thought about that. I do have an external nesting box. I am going to secure it today.

I'm so glad -- if it saves you the loss of chickens.

 

[peckygirl]

I'm so glad I saw this. We're adding the nesting box next week and I never thought of this. In very sorry to hear about your chickens

 

[Mtn Laurel]

Ah, that had to be quite a shock. I'm so very sorry.

Are these a type of purchased coop with external nesting boxes that have a lift out bottom? I have an external box but the bottom of it is nailed to the frame, it doesn't lift out.

 

[ChicKat]

Ah, that had to be quite a shock. I'm so very sorry.

Are these a type of purchased coop with external nesting boxes that have a lift out bottom? I have an external box but the bottom of it is nailed to the frame, it doesn't lift out.

Yes, the bottom was held by gravity. I still kick my self for not screwing the bottom down -- and I can retrofit for future use. You are smart to have a nailed down floor to the external box.

 

[ChicKat]

I'm so glad I saw this. We're adding the nesting box next week and I never thought of this. In very sorry to hear about your chickens

Thanks for the kind thoughts.

If this post prevents anyone else from having a predator enter from the bottom - at least some good came of the "experience".

 

[neatyardian]

Hi everyone. Can anyone help me to find blue prints for external nesting box? I'm new here so very confused as how to post a new question. Thanks