***Is nest box on ground OK?***

[noodleroo]

My chicken tractor is 3'X3'X6' with the part where 4 Buff Orpingtons will sleep about 18"X3'X3' (three feet high). I'm going to make their roost about 18" off the ground and what I want to know if you think its OK to put their nest box on the ground or just a few inches above the ground. Also any suggestions on a nest box(s) for a small coop with big chickens would also be appreciated. I've got time; my chicks should ship on May 12. I'm in Rockport, Texas and we're almost tropical; very warm most of the year; rarely do we get a freeze. I've never kept chickens in the backyard before but I'm really excited to get started. Any advice is most appreciated.

 

[KellyHM]

Nest boxes on the ground work fine. I use to use a covered cat litter box for my nest boxes. That would work if it will be in the coop part, but if it's in the run it will get rained in too much.

 

[BCMominMD]

Mine choose the kitty litter boxes on the floor of the coop over the community nest box elevated to correct height and specifications. You would do fine with those.

 

[noodleroo]

Thanks, ya'll! That seemed like a logical choice, and easy. That's what I'm going to do. I love this forum! You are all so Nice!

 

[CoyoteMagic]

perfectly fine. Mine us kitty litter boxes too. When I used the bigger coop they chose a corner on the floor all by themselves and ignored the boxes I had set up.

 

[KellyHM]

Quote:
Sounds like my Silkies...they completely ignore the nest boxes (which are on the ground since they don't fly) and dig a dirt hole in front of them to lay their eggs in.