Nest Box 2.0 ??

[Ted Brown]

I have 4 nests has worked fine for up to about 18 layers.

 

[Ted Brown]

Being able to reach under roosts with whatever ever tools you use.

I just finished doing morning clean, The top of the drop board to the bottom of the roost boards is 12". My tools and trash container are in and around 6"+ each, it is comfortable now, less space will reduce convenience some.

 

[jthornton]

Ted, have you considered putting your nest boxes under the poop board on something you can slide it out to get to the eggs?

JT

 

[aart]

Ted, have you considered putting your nest boxes under the poop board on something you can slide it out to get to the eggs?

JT

Oooo makes me think of @TerryH sliding nest bank......but can't find his posts anymore.
Here's his coop page:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cheryls-hen-house.72169/

ahh found it, nest details are in there.....you'll have to dig tho
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/cheryls-hen-house.1088771/

 

[Ted Brown]

Ted, have you considered putting your nest boxes under the poop board on something you can slide it out to get to the eggs?

JT

I thought about wheels for the nest box but with 4-6" of bedding that makes no sense. The drop boards are not constructed to support anything hanging.

Still thinking raising both drop board and roost with a larger nest box modeled on aart nest box article. I do want to optimize the floor space usage.

 

[jthornton]

I was thinking of a couple of 2 x 6's on edge to slide the nest box on. Pushed back gives a bit more privacy and blocks off the rear of that space.

JT

 

[Ted Brown]

Update - Drop Board & Roosts Raised

I got off my butt and raised the drop board up by 12" and roosts up by 10"; a 2" decrease in distance to drop board but compromise to give the flock more head room, access under drop board and for cleaning also easier.

I will build a nest box copy of @aart per her diagram below and photos here https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/nest-deets.7893638/. Still thinking about placement, probably in the existing location but against the back wall.

 

[aart]

I got off my butt and raised the drop board up by 12" and roost up by 10"; a 2" decrease in distance to drop board but compromise to give the flock more head room., access for me also easier.

Kudos!!

I would put the nests here....and move the ramp to the other end of board.

 

[Ted Brown]

I just checked, the flock has returned to their same locations on the roosts; seem not to have noticed the change in height.

@aart Your suggested location is where Prince Woods depicts in his plans.

 

[aart]

@aart Your suggested location is where Prince Woods depicts in his plans.

I thought so.
Can see wanting it nearer the door, but it doesn't fit there I don't think.
I would not it want under the poop board at all.