Nest boxes

[xcop]

Anyone have any thoughts on using plastic or metal boxes or pails for nest boxes?

 

[Shagadelic70]

I purchased the plastic stacking bins. I read a lot of people use them and they should be plenty big enough. My chicks are not ready for the coop yet to use them, so I really cannot say they work yet.
This is similar to the ones I bought. I plan on using hooks to mount them for easy on and off for cleaning.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Plastic makes good nesting boxes since it is easy to clean, 5 gal buckets and old cat food buckets are pretty popular as nest boxes, one thing is you want put a lip in the front of the box (usually 2-4" high) so the chickens don't kick out all the bedding material.

 

[xcop]

Hello

and Welcome To BYC! Plastic makes good nesting boxes since it is easy to clean, 5 gal buckets and old cat food buckets are pretty popular as nest boxes, one thing is you want put a lip in the front of the box (usually 2-4" high) so the chickens don't kick out all the bedding material.

Thanks everyone! I am so glad I joined the flock as I have NEVER owned chickens. My immediate problem yesterday was clearing out the coop which has mounds of dried turkey poop and shavings. I stabbed at it with various tools to no avail. Today I used an ordinary shovel with a point on it. Problem solved! I just spent an hour in there throwing dried chunks into the wheelbarrow! I will be done in 3-4 days! Those plastic bins look perfect - I have just bought this farm and there are old wooden next boxes in the barn which are mounted. I would think plastic would be much easier to clean and the advantage of them is they are not nailed to the wall. Thanks again!

 

[drumstick diva]

Metal boxes get too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Plastic does win hands down for ease in cleaning, no splinters(like wood).

 

[Book Em Danno25]

Welcome to BYC!!

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm glad you joined our community!

I've used plastic buckets in the past as nest boxes, but never metal bins/boxex/buckets. The hens seemed to enjoy the nests, and they kept the eggs safe and clean.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Hi and welcome to BYC!

So glad you could join our flock! I've used plastic buckets for nest boxes for my birds, and also wooden nest boxes. Both have worked equally well and been easy to clean.

Welcome to our community! Feel free to ask any more questions you may have

 

[xcop]

Aren't the buckets too high for them to enter? How high can one go?