Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Marie2020]

@Ponypoor
I've sent an email and text to the head of Dean's Farm. Fingers they'll reply soon

 

[SimpleJenn]

The dilemna here is nest boxes.
I do not like how much space the big shelves take up, and a "single" metal shelf is too small for the hens to walk between nests, which would be necessary if we use plastic tubs so they won't flip off the shelf.
Dad and I talked about taking OSB and cabinet doors (he has hundreds of them) to make a six-box nest to hang on the wall...I do like that plan because it doesn't cut across any of the windows.
Do we need walkways and ramps for them? That's what my brain is having trouble with.

 

[SimpleJenn]

Deb says she is taking her wattles and moving out to the big coop!

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Zoomie Buckeye pullets!

 

[RoyalChick]

The dilemna here is nest boxes.
I do not like how much space the big shelves take up, and a "single" metal shelf is too small for the hens to walk between nests, which would be necessary if we use plastic tubs so they won't flip off the shelf.
Dad and I talked about taking OSB and cabinet doors (he has hundreds of them) to make a six-box nest to hang on the wall...I do like that plan because it doesn't cut across any of the windows.
Do we need walkways and ramps for them? That's what my brain is having trouble with.

I have a small landing strip in front of the boxes. Here you can see Pooh launching herself off it after laying her egg.

 

[RoyalChick]

Zoomie Buckeye pullets!

I think the video may be set to private. I am not allowed to view it - and from the title I really, really want to!

 

[ChicoryBlue]

The dilemna here is nest boxes.
I do not like how much space the big shelves take up, and a "single" metal shelf is too small for the hens to walk between nests, which would be necessary if we use plastic tubs so they won't flip off the shelf.
Dad and I talked about taking OSB and cabinet doors (he has hundreds of them) to make a six-box nest to hang on the wall...I do like that plan because it doesn't cut across any of the windows.
Do we need walkways and ramps for them? That's what my brain is having trouble with.

Depends how high. I personally wouldn't put them up very high, no more than 24 inches, same as getting up to a roosting area (unless you have light birds) and most I see have a walkway in front. Some people have them along the bottom of a wall, not far off the ground even, so they walk on the floor between them and hop up in. But then you have to bend down to retrieve the eggs, or lift the boxes - like if they come off of a hook of some kind. That makes cleaning easier if you can lift them off too. @RoyalChick has cute dish bins in hers, that facilitates a lot. Do you mind bending down for eggs, RC? Or do most lay in the upper quarters?

 

[ChicoryBlue]

I think the video may be set to private. I am not allowed to view it - and from the title I really, really want to!

Hmm I put it as anyone with the link can see...I thought ....will try to fix. I am close to hopeless when it comes to posting YouTube videos. Took me days just to find and go to "my" channel just now!

 

[ChicoryBlue]

I think the video may be set to private. I am not allowed to view it - and from the title I really, really want to!

Try again?

 

[RoyalChick]

Depends how high. I personally wouldn't put them up very high, no more than 24 inches, same as getting up to a roosting area (unless you have light birds) and most I see have a walkway in front. Some people have them along the bottom of a wall, not far off the ground even, so they walk on the floor between them and hop up in. But then you have to bend down to retrieve the eggs, or lift the boxes - like if they come off of a hook of some kind. That makes cleaning easier if you can lift them off too. @RoyalChick has cute dish bins in hers, that facilitates a lot. Do you mind bending down for eggs, RC? Or do most lay in the upper quarters?

The upper bunks are greatly preferred, but suddenly for no apparent reason they will all switch the the lower ones and then I have to bend. But because of my cabinet doors I am not bending and reaching into a confined space - it is just like fetching a saucepan from the bottom kitchen cabinet (which is what they are).
The big thing is I don’t have to bend much to clean it up if the nest ever gets messy as I can just pull out the dishwashing bowl and empty it out.