nest box size and size of entry hole

[ozzie]

I've read that 30x30x30cm (12") is the size you should build the nestboxes. I've also heard that people use lawn mower grass catchers as nestboxes - aren't these smaller than 30x30 - it's deeper I know. The reason is I'm currently building the nestboxes and the entry hole is about 20cmx20cm (8") and the highest point for the nestbox is 30cm (12") but the lowest point is 25cm (10") - is that too squeezy? I'm planning to get Australorps...

thanks for the input.

ozzie

 

[lyndatu]

25 cm is ok for the entry hole, and the 12" rule is ok for the nesting box, too.

 

[SeaChick]

I did a bunch of research on this before building ours and found many different answers. Eventually I decided I'd be better safe than sorry, and since we have large breeds (Australorps, Buff Orps, Wyandotte, etc) we built ours to the larger recommended dimensions I found: 12" wide, 14" deep, with a slanted top going up to about 18"+ in the back and ~14" in front. With the lip to hold in shavings, the opening is about 12 x 12. For what its worth, our girls like them. OTOH lots of people use smaller things, open baskets, etc with no problems, too!

 

[ozzie]

Thank you

I'll keep that in mind whilst I build.

ozzie