Good (cheap) source for trap nest fronts?

[seventreesfarm]

I am about to undertake some major remodelling of my hen housing, and want to swap over to trap nests. Does anyone have a 'secret' source that is cheaper than elsewhere? It looks like most places sell the Kuhl brand wire front, which is what I want, but prices seem to vary.

Thanks!
Joanna

 

[seventreesfarm]

Still looking around for trap nest sources/ideas. So far I'm down to either spending $20 a pop for metal front or building the ones on the Marans site - http://www.marans.be/EN/pages/ChrisMenu6.htm

Then I saw this design and might try a test version on my existing nest boxes. Looks like coat hanger wire hung from eye bolts. Guess it depends on if the nest materials get in the way too. Other designs seem too fiddly with the latches or just too 'big' and bulky.

 

[nepoisopen]

Did this work for you with the simple wire fronts?
Just wondering, as I'm seeking some easy alternatives, and I'm not very DIY friendly.
Though the French Marans thing looks relatively simple.
-KS

 

[lclough1998]

What is the purpose of a trap nest door?

 

[nepoisopen]

It's helpful to find out which of your chickens are laying, when they are, and what eggs they are laying.
I wanted to use it in my own flock because I think we have 2 that are not laying, and to get an idea of who is laying the big of eggs we are getting, as well as what time of day.
(all things I'm wanting to document/improve upon/cull for)
Something that most casual backyarders probably don't care about, I like to overthink everything.

 

[seventreesfarm]

I haven't gotten around to building any yet. Still wrapping up sumemr projects.

@ lclough1998 - Trap nests keep the hen inside after she lays so you can see which hen lays which eggs. It's helpful for choosing breeding stock or keeping track of production for culling.

 

[AletaG]

Did you decide on a style? What ended up working?

 

[seventreesfarm]

We ended up buying wire fronts online. Can't recall which place right now, but with shipping 2 fronts were $55. Not at all cheap, but they work well, can be put on all kinds of boxes, and provide lots of ventilation for trapped hens. Most of the homemade designs we looked at seemed like they were less foolproof, and when you add up time & materials for home-built, not too bad.

 

[AletaG]

Phew. If you do remember, please let us know? protracted web searching revealed not a single wire trap nest add on like you have in your picture. Heck, couldn't really find any trap nests, period (for sale). Even a brand name?

Bless you for answering!
-Aleta G.

 

[seventreesfarm]

Here is what we bought - http://dblrsupply.pinnaclecart.com/nest-box-accessories/trap-nest-front-for-oversized-breeder-nest/

The smaller ones are here, but more money.
http://www.eggboxes.com/ecom-catshow/poultry-nests-accessories.html

We built plywood boxes for them out of scrap, about 12" x 12" x 24". They work fine with larger hens, and for smaller ones we just add a wooden threshold that makes them hop over and trip the front.
I'll post some pics tomorrow.