Nest box basics

[bridget-rdh]

If you make a flat top on the nest boxes they will roost up there. Trying to avoid any poop in the nest box area.

 

[longlegz86]

Check out my pictures someone.... please....I found this SIMPLE way of making a nest box out of plastic tubs. I am wanting cheap ways to do stuff and I had found this works great. Anyone ever use this idea?

 

[DiggstownChicks]

I've decided to go with 18" shelves with a 2" lip, placing a plastic/tubberware dishpan in for each nest. Thoughts?

Our new chicken coop is being moved this weekend, so I haven't bought the materials yet ~ and advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[wsmith]

Check out my pictures someone.... please....I found this SIMPLE way of making a nest box out of plastic tubs. I am wanting cheap ways to do stuff and I had found this works great. Anyone ever use this idea?

I haven't used that method, but it should work if your hens like them. Who knows. Give it a try.

 

[DiggstownChicks]

We are in the process of building our nesting boxes today. Could anyone please respond and let me know how far off the ground I can put the nesting boxes? My concern is if they need a ladder of some sort way to get there. We plan on making it so we can add another nesting box on top when we add to our flock. We were thinking 30" shelf holding the nesting 'bins' with a slanted roof. When we add to it, the next row would go on top and move the slanted roof to the top and so on. Do the chickens need a way to get there or can they easily access or jump/flutter their way into the boxes?

Thanks.

These are the bins we are planning to get. We are going to put a 2x4 across the top to keep them from tilting when the hens get out. And a 2x2 across the front so the bins won't come out.
http://www.amazon.com/Suncast-LP3000-Litter-Pan/dp/B004NBY1XO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_petsupplies_10


We are going to get black bins and paint everything white high gloss. The coop is white with black trim

 

[longlegz86]

We are in the process of building our nesting boxes today. Could anyone please respond and let me know how far off the ground I can put the nesting boxes? My concern is if they need a ladder of some sort way to get there. We plan on making it so we can add another nesting box on top when we add to our flock. We were thinking 30" shelf holding the nesting 'bins' with a slanted roof. When we add to it, the next row would go on top and move the slanted roof to the top and so on. Do the chickens need a way to get there or can they easily access or jump/flutter their way into the boxes?
Thanks.

These are the bins we are planning to get. We are going to put a 2x4 across the top to keep them from tilting when the hens get out. And a 2x2 across the front so the bins won't come out.
http://www.amazon.com/Suncast-LP3000-Litter-Pan/dp/B004NBY1XO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_petsupplies_10
We are going to get black bins and paint everything white high gloss. The coop is white with black trim

I put mine probably 3 feet high...I also added a ramp at one end and a walkway in front of the boxes. I guess it doesnt really matter how high off the ground you put them. I would probably say atleast a couple of feet high would be ok. I have to figure out a way myself to keep them from getting on top of my nest boxes and using the bathroom up there lol

 

[theshepherd]

Someone mentioned that to get the chicken to lay in the coop you have to locker them in there for a bit. How small of an area do they have to be locked in? Can I let them out during the day?

 

[Hokum Coco]

Mine are just milk crates 12 inches³. They work great with a board across the front and a folded feed bag for a liner. When the liner is soiled fold another feed bag pop one out and another in.

Easy Peasy!

My nest boxes are 24 inches off the ground and my poop boards are roughtly 24 inches above my nest boxes my roost 3½ inches above my boards (good for saving the day when eggs are laid at night).

Coop is a rescued 4x8' foot print metal shed about 6 feet high at the peak.