Nest boxes

[Afors]

Added 3 nest boxes to my coop today. Only problem is one of the boxes is divided by a stud that is a load herring stud in the coop. Think they can manage their way around it? They’re not full grown yet only about 16 weeks but the biggest RIR got in there without a problem today to check it out. The gap is about 7” on one side, and about 5 on the other. The other two boxes aren’t blocked by anything and they’ve been checking them out. The eggs in there are ceramic. Can’t wait for a real egg!!!

 

[CindyinSD]

They'll choose one or two favorite nesting boxes and ignore all others. The divided one is probably as likely to be chosen as any.

 

[RRM]

You could cut that one stud and span a header between the studs on either side of the one in question. Support the header with cripple studs, then toenail the bottom of the cut stud to the top edge of the header.
A picture from inside the coop looking towards the nest boxes would be helpful to see what the structure looks like, but you can frame openings in a wall, either new build or modified, and maintain structural integrity across the span of the opening with the use of a header and cripple studs.

 

[MountainWoman73]

Agree with cindyinSD. They'll probably like the awkward box the best.

Mine like a cat bed.

 

[chixrus2013]

Added 3 nest boxes to my coop today. Only problem is one of the boxes is divided by a stud that is a load herring stud in the coop. Think they can manage their way around it? They’re not full grown yet only about 16 weeks but the biggest RIR got in there without a problem today to check it out. The gap is about 7” on one side, and about 5 on the other. The other two boxes aren’t blocked by anything and they’ve been checking them out. The eggs in there are ceramic. Can’t wait for a real egg!!!

Leave it! They'll figure it out and use whichever one they like. They do tend to like privacy so may like that more secluded one!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Yes, leave it. I've had full sized fowl hens use a cat litter bucket as a nest. The top was 7-1/2" x 11-1/2". It worked fine. I suspect yours will work fine if they decide to use it.

 

[CindyinSD]

It's doable of course (as explained)--just like framing in a window, but is it a worthwhile expenditure of effort at this juncture? IMO, it is if it bothers you--otherwise, you prolly have more urgent projects to do. The chickens aren't gonna worry over it.

 

[Urbanchicken62]

When you have several boxes but you see three birds crammed into one box laying on top of each other, you realize they pick a spot a lay regardless. It will not bother them.

 

[Afors]

Thanks everyone!

 

[aart]

Yup, leave it.
As far as them using one nest....put one fake egg in each nest to 'spread the love'.