Makes Great Nesting Boxes

[cajunlizz]

I have several of those red crates in the coop .... . BUT , MY hens are ONLY laying in the DEEP black milk crates .


Sounds like they are going to be very choosie . I guess they feel more secure with the black ones being deeper .

 

[Davaroo]

I forgot, I also add a 4" front rail made from recycled Coroplast. This keeps the litter in the nest.

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
I have the pine shavings thru out the coop , and also in the nest boxes , So the little that gets out the nesting boxes don't matter .

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
I have the pine shavings thru out the coop , and also in the nest boxes , So the little that gets out the nesting boxes don't matter .

That sounds like good planning. Same litter throughout.

The rail keeps the litter in the nest for another reason: to cushion things.

Hens are sort of clunk-footed in a bright, open nest, especially in a single nest box. They tend to stomp around getting comfy or whatever and this can lead to eggs getting broken. Accidental breakage is the leading cause of egg eating in a flock.
Once broken eggs show up, the Darkside of Egg Eating isn't far behind.
2"-3" of cushioning in the nest is recommended to help alleviate this. To keep that much cushiony litter in the nest, you need the front rail.
Darkening the nest with a curtain over the front is also a good idea. Hens dont move around much when its dark and so settle down to the business of laying pretty quick in a darkened nest.

ON A SIDE NOTE
The single nest we're familiar with became a crossover convenience from the commercial side of the business. It better suits the needs of the poultrykeeper, not the chicken.
Chickens seem to prefer a more secluded nest environment and the community or enclosed box nest better suits them. It is little seen these days, although was hotly defended in the poultry press during the early 20th century.

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
I have the pine shavings thru out the coop , and also in the nest boxes , So the little that gets out the nesting boxes don't matter .

That sounds like good planning. Same litter throughout.

The rail keeps the litter in the nest for another reason: to cushion things.

Hens are sort of clunk-footed in a bright, open nest, especially in a single nest box. They tend to stomp around getting comfy or whatever and this can lead to eggs getting broken. Accidental breakage is the leading cause of egg eating in a flock.
Once broken eggs show up, the Darkside of Egg Eating isn't far behind.
2"-3" of cushioning in the nest is recommended to help alleviate this. To keep that much cushiony litter in the nest, you need the front rail.
Darkening the nest with a curtain over the front is also a good idea. Hens dont move around much when its dark and so settle down to the business of laying pretty quick in a darkened nest.

ON A SIDE NOTE
The single nest we're familiar with became a crossover convenience from the commercial side of the business. It better suits the needs of the poultrykeeper, not the chicken.
Chickens seem to prefer a more secluded nest environment and the community or enclosed box nest better suits them. It is little seen these days, although was hotly defended in the poultry press during the early 20th century.

Well , usually rule of thumb is 1 nest box for every 4 hens . I have several nesting boxes , they are ALL deep black milk crates , and I fill 1/2 full with pine shavings . 3 of the laying hens ALL use the same nest . and SO FAR SO GOOD , never a broken egg . MAYBE I should NOT speak OR TYPE to loud LOL

 

[Robin L]

I have a few in my coop and if all are being used they wait in line. I have other boxes but they like these creates. It doesnt matter how I have them (on its side or staight up) I just make sure they wont move (I used stretchie cords) I put shavings and straw in mine. Never had a broken egg either.
After reading this post I will be looking into attaching them to the wall. Thanks for posting this.