How do exterior nest boxes hold up?

[wolftracks]

I'm working on some coops right now and using bike tire innertubes like my husband used to do, to prevent the water from leaking in. He'd fasten to the back and the lid and never a drop of rain in there.

 

[Dogfish]

Quote:
Two double rollout nest boxes. interior dimensions are24" wide, 18" deep (to accomodate the rollout feature), 12" high. They are insulated, so the exterior dimensions are larger.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks so much..

 

[B'villechicken]

Quote:
I originally thought of exterior nest boxes when I built my coop. I opted to go with interior and I'm glad I did. I don't think I would ever prevent my eggs from freezing with exterior boxes. Syracuse was +3 this am and we were -4. When I got home I had one egg frozen. Otherwise, I think I'd try it.

 

[annaraven]

Quote:
I worry less about rain getting in to the nestboxes as about rain getting on me while I check the nestboxes. Glad I have it inside now.

 

[Miss Lydia]

X2

 

[Cindy in PA]

My boxes only have insulation on the bottom & I have not had frozen eggs. We have had two of the coldest winters these past two years and no problem. Got down below 0 a few times and I have 5 bantams sleeping in the boxes. I wish my large coop had exterior boxes.