Mixing tub or 5 gallon buckets?

[BleuSaphir]

Would anyone think this mixing tub would be fine as a nesting box? I was thinking maybe I should screw this tub to the back wall of the planned coop and have it be suspened high up from the ground with some screws to the length side to the wall and maybe with a leg to keep it suspending standing straight (I would think if I just screw it back to the wall suspended from air, my fear would be it would stand slanted)
I am looking to plan on keeping 5 hens, with the dimension of this tub, how much hens do you think can fit on the tub? Or should I go with 2-3 5 gallon bucket and screw the back ends to the wall.

Link to the mixing tub
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasgad-Medium-Mixing-Tub-887101A/202086173

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I'd go with the buckets if that's your two options. Personally I like a basic long wooden box with dividers in it and a from lip to hold the nesting material in. Cheap and easy to make and doesn't need a back wall as you'd screw it to nailers on the back wall. Or use the lids to buckets and cut half moon opening in lid so so it keeps nesting material in.

Keep in mind that you don't want the nesting area too high as it will promote them to start roosting in it at night. Dirty eggs and nesting areas are not fun to deal with so better to keep the nests low. Mine are just at the level of litter in coop with the board to hold back nest raising up 4". Though mine are externally mounted with hole to raised coop so don't have to bend over to collect eggs.

 

[Mutt Farm]

Hi! IMO the bucket would be a better choice. I have several of those mixing tubs that I use for dog wading pools and beds. They are rather large and open. About 20X25X6. They wouldn't support the weight of a couple hens without a frame. They might work well IN a nesting box though. Hens prefer a dark private covered space.
and have it be suspened high up from the ground You should have the nest boxes close to the ground. Even on the ground is ok but most place them 12'- 16" high. Roost high, nest low. 2 should be plenty for 5 hens if space is a concern. Best of luck to you. We'll wait for progress reports.
.

 

[BleuSaphir]

I'd go with the buckets if that's your two options. Personally I like a basic long wooden box with dividers in it and a from lip to hold the nesting material in. Cheap and easy to make and doesn't need a back wall as you'd screw it to nailers on the back wall. Or use the lids to buckets and cut half moon opening in lid so so it keeps nesting material in.

Keep in mind that you don't want the nesting area too high as it will promote them to start roosting in it at night. Dirty eggs and nesting areas are not fun to deal with so better to keep the nests low. Mine are just at the level of litter in coop with the board to hold back nest raising up 4". Though mine are externally mounted with hole to raised coop so don't have to bend over to collect eggs.

Hi! IMO the bucket would be a better choice. I have several of those mixing tubs that I use for dog wading pools and beds. They are rather large and open. About 20X25X6. They wouldn't support the weight of a couple hens without a frame. They might work well IN a nesting box though. Hens prefer a dark private covered space.
and have it be suspened high up from the ground You should have the nest boxes close to the ground. Even on the ground is ok but most place them 12'- 16" high. Roost high, nest low. 2 should be plenty for 5 hens if space is a concern. Best of luck to you. We'll wait for progress reports.
.

I guess I should go with Buckets...since it cheap. I don't plan on making it too high. I just want to make sure they can have more floor space, since the coop will be 5 feet by 6 feet footprint.