Nest box opinions please

[Chicken Salad]

I have the opportunity to be given a galvanized "twin-seater" nest box for free. I'm as cheep as the next chicken-addict so free is good. BUT...I'm not really happy with the esthetics of the galvanized...which seems to be such a very' petty concern...so I thought I'd ask opinions. The other options would be to make wooden ones OR go the plastic crate route - I guess. Can I get opinions, please? What are features of each that you like/dislike?

 

[scooter147]

What is it you don't like about the galvinized? Is it the color is it rust?
To solve both of those concerns you can simply spray paint it with a pet safe paint.
Keep in mind that galvinized is easier to clean in my opinion than wood and galvinized does not harbor scaley leg mites like wood.

 

[LynneP]

And it's free. If the girls like it keep them and if not, freecycle them!

 

[horsejody]

If you don't want it, I'll take it!!

 

[CityChook]

I think galvanized is cool, but I guess I'd have to see it...

Don't feel bad, sista - my ENTIRE coop was made with "pretty" before functional - of which it is BOTH now that it is done. My poor DH - the eye rolling was beginning to become habitual.

I think galvanized is very "country chic" but if wood is what you are after, then a nest box can be EASILY made from scrap wood FOR FREE. Mine was an old crate that we modified and then I stained it to make it all look uniform. Easy peasy.

Good luck!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

At various times, my chickens have used metal nest boxes, wood nest boxes, a high-back plastic rabbit litter box in purple and right now, a community nesting box area. They've laid in them all. I was fine with them all. That purple rabbit litter box was pretty cool looking, though.

I went with a community nest box area last year, because some of the last pullets I got are so darn broody. I got tired of the chickens fussing and squabbling over the same favorite nest box, when there was a broody in it. Usually they get along great, but I can see where trying to hold an egg in, waiting for a turn at a nest box that never comes, would start to make one crabby. I'd toss the broody out for snacks and a drink on the patio every day and they'd all be fussy there, too, because they were holding a grudge about the nest box squabbles.

Anyway, now that they can lay in the same area, at the same time, without squashing each other, they don't fuss when there's a broody. Other than using a larger community nest, I don't really have any other preferences.

My point of view, is that it's ok to have nest boxes you really like. You'll be collecting eggs every day. Make it a thing of pleasure for yourself. I was going to suggest you consider painting the galvanized nest boxes if you'd like that look better, too. Add some decorative painting, stencils or even stickers, if you want! Or not. If you really want wood, then do it. I'm really big on functionality, but I have certain simple things that are esthetically a pleasure to use and I make sure I take a moment to enjoy them. That's not a bad thing. Life is hard enough. Enjoy all the things you can.

 

[CityChook]

They grow 'em wise in Wisconsin, Woodlandwoman!

I have a community box, too. I like it because it was made from old, hard wood - an old crate to be exact. It wasn't deep enough at 9 inches, so my loving DH took it apart, made new sides from scrap wood, mitered the front and re-attached it at a 45 degree angle. Problem solved. And it was all free. And so far, my eggs are delivered in the box, not on the floor, so the girls must like it too. Having a larger community box means less bickering...

 

[rileysgranny]

Ohh, CityChook. I like your community box and those cute jars on the shelf above holding your feed.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Aww, thanks, CityChook.

What a nice community nest your husband made! That's a pretty coop you have there, too.

 

[Litewings]

I'm looking at using some "Cat Litter Containers" turned on their sides for nests. You can cut the lids off so there is an inch or two for a lip on the container and it looks like it would be perfect.

Litewings