Nesting box question

[lereg]

Hey guys! With the price of lumber these day, I am thinking about going with clear, Rubbermaid containers for my nesting boxes. I have some on hand, so it will definitely save me some money, I hope.
I understand that they like their 'privacy' while laying, so I'm not sure how to darken them up for them. Any ideas would be appreciated!

 

[3KillerBs]

Hey guys! With the price of lumber these day, I am thinking about going with clear, Rubbermaid containers for my nesting boxes. I have some on hand, so it will definitely save me some money, I hope.
I understand that they like their 'privacy' while laying, so I'm not sure how to darken them up for them. Any ideas would be appreciated!

Will they be inside the coop in a dimly-lit corner? That is likely to be enough privacy for the hens.

 

[lereg]

Will they be inside the coop in a dimly-lit corner? That is likely to be enough privacy for the hens.

I don't know how dimly-lit they'll be. I have the coop on my screened porch. Although, the sun comes up where the boxes will be placed, against a wooden 'half wall.

 

[NightingaleJen]

Could you perhaps spray-paint the exterior of the containers a darker color? Or any color, really. That or find a way to drape/cover them with fabric, perhaps? Keeping the boxes cool during summer will be important for the girls, so that needs to be a consideration.

 

[lereg]

Could you perhaps spray-paint the exterior of the containers a darker color? Or any color, really. That or find a way to drape/cover them with fabric, perhaps? Keeping the boxes cool during summer will be important for the girls, so that needs to be a consideration.

I wasn't sure about painting them, due to the chemicals from possible paint chips or pealing. I actually have an old rv canopy/awning that, that I could possibly use.

 

[3KillerBs]

I don't know how dimly-lit they'll be. I have the coop on my screened porch. Although, the sun comes up where the boxes will be placed, against a wooden 'half wall.

Sun on clear plastic will be a rotisserie rather than a nest box.

Curtains, maybe?

 

[Sooner Magnolia]

I've started using free boxes from Sam's club. When they get dirty I just go shopping and swap them out

 

[poultryprofessor]

I recommend against wood nest boxes if you can avoid them anyway. Wood is difficult (sometimes impossible) to disinfect and it can provide a nice home for parasites.

Ideally, I like something like these roll-out nest boxes. They keep eggs cleaner and

If you are looking for something cheap and easy, I recommend cat litter boxes like these:

Unless you have particularly large or fussy hens, they work surprisingly well. I haven't had too much trouble getting more when I need them - a lot of cat owners use this type of litter and they like seeing the pails get used for something. See them in use on our farm here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNK3wnwh1KE/

 

[lereg]

I've started using free boxes from Sam's club. When they get dirty I just go shopping and swap them out

I never thought of boxes!! I don't know how I'd elevate them though

I recommend against wood nest boxes if you can avoid them anyway. Wood is difficult (sometimes impossible) to disinfect and it can provide a nice home for parasites.

Ideally, I like something like these roll-out nest boxes. They keep eggs cleaner and
View attachment 2700312


If you are looking for something cheap and easy, I recommend cat litter boxes like these:
View attachment 2700316

Unless you have particularly large or fussy hens, they work surprisingly well. I haven't had too much trouble getting more when I need them - a lot of cat owners use this type of litter and they like seeing the pails get used for something. See them in use on our farm here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNK3wnwh1KE/

I have a few milk crates, not enough, but I was thinking it may be too small.

 

[3KillerBs]

I never thought of boxes!! I don't know how I'd elevate them though

I have a few milk crates, not enough, but I was thinking it may be too small.

How many hens do you have? 1 nest serves 3-5 hens.