Need recommendation for ventilated nest boxes good in heat

[Boise-girls]

Does anyone have recommendations for well-ventilated nest boxes that are good in the heat? I'm in SW Idaho, which is considered high-desert -- pretty dry, with much of the summer in the 90s and 100s during the day.

I will be doing some remodeling of my pre-fab coop and want to replace the built-in nest boxes, but all of the nest boxes I've seen seem like they'd be too hot. (I'm not worried so much about winter, since nest boxes are the coziest part of the coop.)

 

[nuthatched]

I honestly wouldn't worry about ventilated nest boxes, the openings should be quite enough.
Hens aren't in there that long.

 

[Boise-girls]

Unfortunately, mine sometimes are in there for a while, and if they don't lay in the morning, they're panting the whole time. I do put ice packs in with them, open the back of the boxes (where you get the eggs), have a fan and provide shade. Still too hot! I learned after the fact that they're not good breeds for heat - bantam cochins, a bantam brahma and two Sebrights.

 

[nuthatched]

Unfortunately, mine sometimes are in there for a while, and if they don't lay in the morning, they're panting the whole time. I do put ice packs in with them, open the back of the boxes (where you get the eggs), have a fan and provide shade. Still too hot! I learned after the fact that they're not good breeds for heat - bantam cochins, a bantam brahma and two Sebrights.

Hmm, I see your point. maybe put pavers under the straw to help keep them cool?

 

[FluffyBottomBantams]

A nice cardboard box on the ground lol, they also enjoy a nice 5gal bucket on its side too.

 

[Boise-girls]

Hmm, I see your point. maybe put pavers under the straw to help keep them cool?

I wouldn't have thought of that, worth a try!

 

[3KillerBs]

Can you show us some photos? We might be able to suggest modifications.

My nestboxes are nothing special in design but because my coop is both VERY well ventilated and shaded they don't get hot.

 

[Boise-girls]

This is their nest box now, from some different angles. They only use the far one. I also have a cardboard box on ground level that gets occasional use.

I'm using the whole prefab as an open-air coop, but want to get rid of the top level after I figure out nest boxes. Second step will be to push out the far wall 2-4 feet so it's 6x6-plus, and rearrange roosts. They're also getting an 8x8 extension to their pen next week if all goes according to plan.

Looks like a hobo camp! Ironically, things cool down around 4:00, the hottest part of the day, when the shade from the catalpa hits!

 

[3KillerBs]

This is their nest box now, from some different angles. They only use the far one. I also have a cardboard box on ground level that gets occasional use.

I'm using the whole prefab as an open-air coop, but want to get rid of the top level after I figure out nest boxes. Second step will be to push out the far wall 2-4 feet so it's 6x6-plus, and rearrange roosts. They're also getting an 8x8 extension to their pen next week if all goes according to plan.

Looks like a hobo camp! Ironically, things cool down around 4:00, the hottest part of the day, when the shade from the catalpa hits!

Those are well-ventilated to the inside so if you can keep the inside of the coop comfortable than the nests will be fine as well.

 

[kurby22]

Maybe just add a couple small fans? I got two that are meant for camping that can hang or stand on their own and I use them in the heat and both my chickens and quails love them when it’s hot. I grew up in Boise and know how hot the summers can be! It’s worse in Sacramento :-( also I buy ice packs for coolers that are flat that you could maybe freeze and add with straw on top? To keep things cool?