Great shopping trip, nest box ?

[Ruralhideaway]

Sweet!!

IKR!? but, you still may have to remove snow from roof panels, to relieve snow load weight and to get sun light...plan ahead how to do that.

Much roof pitch will be entering into this I think. Still thinking. Will be seeking advice I'm sure.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

In case anyone can comment, already had my plywood cut with 16x16x16 nest boxes planned for. Now I'm wondering if that's too big? I have Brahmas, cochins, marans, assorted bigger birds. I could do 2 stacked communal nests @32 x 16 x 16 instead if that's better.

 

[RonP]

In case anyone can comment, already had my plywood cut with 16x16x16 nest boxes planned for. Now I'm wondering if that's too big? I have Brahmas, cochins, marans, assorted bigger birds. I could do 2 stacked communal nests @32 x 16 x 16 instead if that's better.

My boxes are also 16" cubed.
No issues ever even with bantams.

 

[21hens-incharge]

My main coop has 12x14x14. Tight fit for Brahma.
My second coop is 16 cubed. Giant Cochin fit well enough. The bantams use these as well with no issue.

 

[aart]

Much roof pitch will be entering into this I think. Still thinking. Will be seeking advice I'm sure.

Think roof rake, with plastic blade or edge, where you will stand to use it and will it reach...test well ahead of time, like when building.

already had my plywood cut with 16x16x16 nest boxes planned for.

Will be fine.

 

[21hens-incharge]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Snow-Joe-Telescoping-Snow-Broom-with-Ice-Scraper-SJBLZD/203580290

This is made to not scratch paint on cars. Thinking it would work well to not damage the panels.
I used mine on my plastic covered hoop coop.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Yes one of those but longer handle. Good thought to plan this ahead, might even be worth building a platform into the plan, chicken shelf in summer, snow clearing stair in winter.

Been outside knocking this together. 18f here, oddly felt no warmer than the -5 I woke up to. Little sun wouldn't hurt. 2, 16" boxes, a double in the center that might get divided later if needed. Suggestions?

 

[aart]

Looks great....perch might need to be closer, 6-8" away and level with nest entrance.
Might want taller front on nests too...could double front piece, just add another same size board.

Yes one of those but longer handle. Good thought to plan this ahead, might even be worth building a platform into the plan, chicken shelf in summer, snow clearing stair in winter.

Waaayyy longer, mine's expandable to 7'. Have thought about a bench/platform, I can reach OK, better once I pull snow off and stomp it down into a 'platform'. But I'm only clearing those small metal sheds, eave is at my head on bare ground.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

That picture lies. I'm inside warming up so will double check but i think that perch is about 4 inches away and 3 inches lower than the box. It happened to already be there so maybe close enough? I'll check shortly, won't be hard to move over a few inches either way. Easy to increase the height of that stopper also, it's 4 inches from the floor right now.

Think they'll want it darker? Some use curtains or fronts I know. I could always close them up a bit. On a warmer day though!

Oh also, any reason not to put a roost above?

 

[jthornton]

Oh also, any reason not to put a roost above?

They WILL roost on top of the box unless you put a board at a 45°... think about how much fun scraping chicken poop off the top of your nest box will be.

JT