How important is it to have exterior access to nesting boxes?

[claud]

I think it's only important for convenience sake. It would be nice to dash out to the coop to collect eggs in before you leave for work(in you work shoes - coworkers don't appreciate chicken poo on your shoes).
My nests are in the coop. I have special "chicken shoes" I keep by the door.

 

[valmom]

We bought our coop pre-made and it has outside doors to the nest boxes. We've never used them. We have to plastic them over to prevent drafts in the winter, then rip off the plastic in the spring. Ours is a large, walk in coop, though, and I use Woody Pet inside and clean it daily (but we only have 5 hens and a banty roo- so it doesn't get too messy). I like working inside the coop, especially in the rain.

 

[consdrs]

I love being able to get my eggs without having to go into the coop. as for seeing the chickens... they are in the run squawking for treats when ever I go out there so there is no one to "check out" inside. When ever I go into my coop it never fails I have the gross black poo on my "chicken" shoes, yuck no matter what shoes I have on. and I will undoubtedly brush against something that leaves chicken dust on me. I don't have to worry about getting the chickens to stay in the coop, or "escaping" chickens. If you are in the "building" stage, in my opinion, outside access. I still have to go inside to open my windows, that will change real soon...

 

[jonesgirl]

Yeah for me the only reason I have exterior access to nesting boxes is because my coop is smaller.. If I could walk in I think [for me] the exterior access wouldn't be needed. I am in and out of the run a couple times a day anyway, so I know I will be getting poop on my shoes... I have my poop flip flops to throw on when I go out there... lol

 

[Chew593]

thanks everyone... i think you just saved my husband about 8 cuts and the cost of hardware!