Nesting Box Design question... *PIC* added

[hplowe]

I am designing the nesting box and it has a cover that is almost 60" long and 16" deep. That will be alot of lid + shingle weight to open. I want to split it into 3 sections, but how do I keep that watertight but still open any of the 3 sections independently? Thanks!

 

[JessHall]

Could you use weather stripping or caulking provided that it is not where the chickens can get to it? Or maybe you can go with your original plan of a 60" lid, but put a hook on the coop to hold the lid up so you aren't getting an arm work out every time you collect eggs?

 

[Vermontmaple]

Check out my profile page and see the pics I have of our coop. My husband has that area opening down instead of up. Easier for our kids to collect the eggs and the nesting boxes come out for easy clean up. Good luck!!

 

[ConnorClan]

Ditto Vermontmaple. I just finished our coop and designed the nestbox so the side opens, not the top. I guess there is a possibility that the hens could make a run for it but mine are in a pen so it wouldn't matter.

 

[hplowe]

Added a picture to it. After i put the 5 hinges on it, it is not that heavy at all... I will probably chain it up as mentioned...

The roof overhang is about 6 inches past the lid edge, so it is protected from all but a sideways rain...

A picture of my little brother helping me add the top roof:

Quote:
Beautiful coop!!! that removeable nesting box is awesome!

 

[ConnorClan]

Do you have enough room on the overhang to install a stiffener? Maybe you could install a prop rod in the middle instead of the chain?

I like the roof. Are there going to be roosts up there?

 

[hplowe]

Quote:
Add a stiffener where? The rod is a good idea too.

Not sure about roosting that high, it is a 8 foot drop to the floor... would that be safe?

 

[ConnorClan]

Stiffener along the bottom of the front edge of the lid (where you would grab with your hand to lift). Seems it would make the edge more rigid and keep the ends from drooping when open.

Don't know about the roosting that high. I'm just starting out in all of this. lol.