nest boxes

[countrygirl911]

Hi everyone i have 4 of 18 chickens that will start to lay real soon i had this idea of using milk crates as the nesting boxes for them but i am not sure about how to go about setting them up any ideas would be greatly appreciated

 

[Mahonri]

Put in straw or shavings and nail them to the wall... open side up.

 

[countrygirl911]

will they fly up into them or do i need to build something to help them get up in them

 

[oldchickenlady]

I would make a sort of platform for them, turn them on their side with the opening facing front. I would probably lay something inside it to 'contain' the shavings/hay (a cardboard box the same size would work). I decided to go with 5 gallon buckets myself. I have plenty of plywood and I am going to make a "rack" to hold them. I am going to cut U shaped places where the buckets will sit so they don't move. They will be lightweight and easy to clean. I really wanted to make wooden ones, but it is just too dang hot!

 

[Puma]

Take a 1"x12"x10' pine board and attach a 1"x4"x10' pine to the front edge. Sit this on 4 cinder blocks and place your crates right on it. When you want to clean, just lift out the crates empty and refill with straw. Very easy and inexpensive set-up.