External Nesting Boxes-How to waterproof

[ChillinWithThePeeps]

We have a coop that has the nesting box built on the backside of it with a hinged lid that lifts up. I have noticed that in the morning the dew drips through the crack where the lid lifts up and when it rains, I have to change all the pine shavings in the nesting box because they are soaked. How do we waterproof the nesting boxes and still keep it functional? The picture I have posted is not our coop, but has the nesting boxes on the back like ours. I am using my laptop and don't have any pictures on here of our actual coop.

 

[7L Farm]

I can't really see the hinge but take an old intertube & cut it to cover up the hinge & tack it down.

 

[chickenbythesea]

we just made a little flap from leftover plastic , it makes it so the rain and condensation runs away from the hinges and doesn't gather and drip into the coop

 

[Cindy in PA]

I too have a flap of rubber over the hinge, but my boxes are slanted so everything runs away from the hinge.

 

[Ole rooster]

I would build a shed roof over top of the boxes. Considering the top of the nest boxes are flat, it can't shed water. I think it needs a little roof over it.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Quote:
How do you like the coop? I saw them listed here in FL on Craigs list.

 

[MareeZoCool]

I'm so glad you asked that question! I've been wanting to add nesting boxes onto one side of my coop. You have gotten the answers solved to that hinge/ water problem.

 

[darkmatter]

Quote:
That's what I did years ago, thought I'd invented it. I cut strips out of an old intertube and cover the hinge area.

 

[Sinfonian]

Either way you need to control water run off. I definitely like the roof idea. A simple piece of painted plywood attached a few inches up on the coop with a cleat and you're golden.

 

[woodenart]

You need a wood baton with waterproof material behind it (we use 5 inch wide plastic used as a damp proof membrane here in GB) then apply a bead of silicone to the plastic and screw to the House above the nest box allowing enough gap to lift the nest box lid.

Mark.