How tall should my nesting boxes be from the ground?

[Larry Rose]

I'm in process of compiling coop plans and what I have read has been nesting boxes 18"-24" off ground, I suppose that it depends and I am interested to hear others opinions.

Everyone has different ideas. For example, my nest boxes are 24'' off the floor. The Hens have no problem "Hopping" up onto the two bars that run across the front, 3'' apart and away from the boxes. They use the Wings God gave them if needed. My nest boxes are actually a "Kitchen Island" that a local Cabinet maker threw away. I just added dividers and added Hay. When my birds jump back down, they land on 2'' of sand covered with a fine layer of Pine Shavings. The could play Volleyball in my coop and not damage their little joints! They gain added floor space by having everything off the floor. This goes for Water'ers & Feeders too. The other birds actually have to "Hop Up" top see what's going on, meaning the layers are not bothered by birds just passing by, if the boxes are very low to the floor. And I used natural Maple Tree Branches for a Roost, about an inch or so in diameter. The tallest one, which is the most used is about 5 ft off the floor. They start hopping up like we use stairs, until they reach the top branch. Another tip. Make them want to come to you. I give mine a little bit of scratch "In the Coop" when I call them to put them up for the night. I do the same thing every morning. They love it like a kid likes candy. Just a training tool to make my life easier.

 

[WELDON99]

I have 5 coops. Most of them have an attached house for the nesting boxes and those are only a couple of inches above the floor. However, the floor is about 30" above grade, with a ramp leading into the house. I provide roosts about 12/24 " above the nesting boxes. I do have one coop where the boxes are about 30" above the ground. There are 3 boxes for 6 hens and they seem to prefer 2 of the boxes, most of the time. I've encountered no problems. All my nesting boxes have outside access for easy egg collecting.

I do recommend that you provide roosts above the nesting boxes, otherwise, the hens will sleep in the nests and foul them with their waste!