Husky stacking bins for nest boxes?

[SamCO]

Has anyone used bins like this as nesting boxes? They’re very wide so not sure if I would need to divide them in half or if chickens will nest in the same box. (First timer here) I would attach something to the top one in order to make it enclosed. They can also be mounted to the wall. So if I wanted to raise them up off the ground I could. I want something that’s easy to clean if it all possible and that doesn’t break the bank. If I don’t have to divide them that would be awesome but I’m sure I could figure out some thing if it needs to be done. I was also thinking I might need to add a stick or something to the front lip to give them a better grip. Thoughts?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chickens can share nest boxes, though some flocks won't do it and some will. But no need to put in a divider, a wider box doesn't deter them.

Yes you will most likely need some sort of bars in front for them to fly up onto, in order to climb in. How many chickens are you building for?

 

[SamCO]

My coop is a little more than half of a 12x10 shed. It is approx 7x10. Right now I have 8 chicks. The plan is eventually to have a max of 12-15. We need to build a much larger run before we add more birds. But we also want to be prepared if we do get more. Is it better to raise them off the ground so that they have floor space underneath? Maybe we’ll leave them as is right now. Wasn’t sure if chickens like smaller boxes since that’s usually what is sold and what I see on peoples coop builds. Thanks for the reply.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I personally feel bigger boxes are better, not necessarily huge, but decently roomy. But if it turns out your chickens don't want to share space, you can always add dividers later.

Put the nests at the height that you want - the chickens will adjust to it. Me, mine are on the ground so it's super easy for the chickens to walk in and out of it (and I can just tip them over to "clean" them out) but I also calculated in the fact that they're eating up floor space.