Nest box opinions for new coop

[MooresPride]

I am building a new coop but stuck in wether to mount my nest boxes externaly or have them inside. I need so pros and cons. I know it saves room having them external but may be extra work whick isn't a problem for me. Either way I plan on having a door to gather eggs from out side.

 

[fiddlebanshee]

I have them under the roosts with a poopshelf above them. it is actually a large communal box. I can access the nests from the outside so I don't have to go crawling under the roost. I also clean the nestbox from the outside. I have 2 access doors that span the entire width of the wall.

This setup saves space in the coop as well as around it. It has worked very well so far.

 

[Queen Bee]

I think, inside is best because they seem to like to be 'alone'' while laying. Some people even hang 'curtains' over the opens to make it darker...Others think is helps curb the bad habit of pecking/eating eggs..

 

[newburt]

I believe they would like to have that privacy, and I dont want anything interfering with the laying of those wonderful eggs if I can help it. I dont know for sure if interference while laying is a problem but I would rather not take a chance. It just seems more traditional for it to be on the inside of the coop.

 

[BottleHollow]

You asked for pros and cons... Here are my thoughts on the external boxes.

External:
Pros - External ones are outside the floor plan giving you more room inside the coop or you can build a smaller coop interior. They are easier to keep others from roosting on them and to keep poop off of and easier to clean overall, especially if you have a drop side instead of a lift up roof. Looks better overall (my opinion). Easier to get higher off the coop floor; have to use book shelf type design on interior nesting boxes if you are accessing from an outside door (can't just screw or nail the backs to the coop).
Cons - Takes more planning on the coop design and more work in the coop building; it's more complex overall but not really that difficult to build. Most folks cover the external nesting boxes to minimize rain water which usually means your roof line on your coop extends out further (longer soffit). The nesting box can be a different temperature from the coop interior (can be good or bad depending on your coop and your location). The latching mechanisms to close the box up and the hinges can be tricky (I didn't plan these very well).