Insulation, chicken door, and nesting boxes

[Chickenuser]

Should I put insulation in our 8x8 coop to keep them warm in the winter? Or will a heat lamp be enough?
For the chicken door to the pen outside, is it okay if it is elevated above the dirt outside? Or do I have to make a ramp or something for them to climb?
Do the nesting boxes have to be 1x1? Because i am using an old bookshelf and it will be a 2.5'x10".
Is this measurment a thing of preference or do they need a bigger height to fit? i have some Golden Cross Pullets. HOw many nesting boxes will I need for 18 hens?
What should I put in the nesting boxes? I was thinking of pine shavings. Also for teh floor, would pine shavings work? And is it easy to clean up off the floor?

 

[2mnypets]

KK, I hope I can answer the questions for you. First of all, insulation depends on where you live. We live in Illinois so insulation was a must. Just depends on your winters. I think a ramp is necessary for them to enter the coop. Mine usually take a couple of steps out on the ramp and then fly to the ground. A good rule of thumb for the nesting boxes is 14"x14". That gives enough room for a standard breed to enter, lay and exit without breaking or getting the eggs dirty. I was told that you should have a nesting box for every 3-4 hens. I use pine shavings and straw/hay for my coop. I guess it all depends on your pullets or hens preferences. Clean up is clean up to me regardless of what I have in it. The shavings help control leaks a lot better, but hay or straw catch a lot of the traditional messes that chickens create. Good luck to you!

 

[fowlweatherfriends]

Hi, I use regular size kitty litter boxes (with lids) for nesting. My OEGB's LOVE them-I think it makes them feel cozy.

 

[peacebird]

kittty litter boxes? Thanks! I was wondering about using them - as I'm not too handy with woodworking.....

 

[fowlweatherfriends]

Kitty boxes-PERFECT for us non-carpenters!

Seriously, my hens have several choices for boxes, but they fuss and argue over the kitty boxes-their favorite. They are also very easy to clean and disinfect.

 

[Chickenuser]

For nesting boxes I am using 2 three-shelf bookcases. My boxes would be 2"x10'? Do they like boxes elevated? I have heard either way. We live in Washington. It gets below freezing in the winter but up to 100 degrees in teh summer.
Instead of a ramp could I use a block of wood in front of the chicken door?

 

[ozark hen]

Quote:
What a great idea!! I am using an old bookshelf that my DH "remodeled" for nests but I love the idea of kitty litter boxes for my brooding hens.
My DH turned a room in an old building into a coup for me. First he lined the walls in plastic and then put up 3/8 " plywood all around. He used insulation on the ceiling. Plus the light and the chicks are snug with lots of shavings on the floor. He also dragged in a large tree branch to give them something to play on and we sit and laugh at them playing all over it. At 3 1/2 weeks old they were ready to get out of their cramped quarters in the house as much as I was ready to get them out.