nest boxes

[Sheila]

Anyone ever make them from old cabinets? Just had the thought. Most are about a foot deep, and I'm guessing wider ones could be divided vertically. Be interested if anyone else has ever considered doing this.

 

[rooster-red]

There are several threads on this subject, some with pics.
Just use the search function to find them.

 

[Sheila]

Did find the other threads. Thanks.

 

[mdbucks]

this is what I did. An added bonus is that mine stick out into storage area of coop so you loose no floor space, and you can collect eggs without having to go through the coop to get to them. Mine were kitchen cabinets that I took the backs off of and put boards on front to keep in the nesting material.

P.S. the feed bags in top row is to get non-laying chicks out till those boxes are needed, they are all open now.

 

[Dawn419]

Quote:
Great idea! I really like the idea of nest boxes on the outside of the coop since they open up the floor space.

Dawn

 

[usalbrechts]

We did too. Hung them on the back wall and we can get eggs without going into the coop. Ours has 2 doors on it (had 3 shelves, we took out one and made 4 nest boxes in there). Has worked wonderfully!!

 

[chickengirlnm]

I really love the idea of those cabints as nesting boxes and with the cabinet doors on the outside like that would make it easy to collect eggs - i am glad i saw this before i finished my coop - i am going to make a few changes when hubby gets home today - thank you for posting the pictures - think i am going to borrow your idea LOL

 

[mdbucks]

Dont forget that you will need additional closing means. When you look at usalbrechts 2nd pic I think the new looking boards in center rotate to hold door shut, at least that is what is on mine. If you have like hers to true outdoors, maybe a hasp too, to keep anything from prying open. Mine open into storage area, so already behind locked doors.

 

[Frozen Feathers]

Great pics and ideas! When we remodel our kitchen I am going to replace my old nest boxes with old cupboards. I wonder if I could make a couple of brooder nests If I laid the cupboard sideways and added a hardware cloth door...??

 

[usalbrechts]

Since then we have put better locks on the cabinets. That picture was the first day and that was my husbands makeshift closing device (very hightech). We actually put 2 screws in it at the time to permanently keep it shut. They were not laying at the time. Now I just need to put some weather stripping around the inside edge of the doors to keep out winter drafts.