Nesting box set up.

[Ryguy3684]

My flock is only 10 weeks, but I couldn't wait to set up the nesting boxes. The nests are in a 4'x4', box, with a doorway that is attached to the main coop. I figured they could have a little more privacy that way. It has shocks lifts for easy access to the eggs. When the lid is closed, the nest partitions are about 6" from the top. It's only a few inches off the ground but has a front plate to keep things from sliding around. There will be bedding on the front walkway that's currently just wood. Will this be okay for laying? I tend to think about this stuff too much. I'm assuming the chickens don't care.

 

[CindyinSD]

It's very nice and I think it'll work great. Love the hydraulic lifters. Great idea!

I would make the front lip a bit higher to keep nesting materials in better. I'm constantly filling mine back up when the girls scratch them out. Also they might prefer a top/lid. Mine seek out hidey holes when they can find them. I guess a little cave makes them feel comfy.

 

[jreardon1918]

My flock is only 10 weeks, but I couldn't wait to set up the nesting boxes. The nests are in a 4'x4', box, with a doorway that is attached to the main coop. I figured they could have a little more privacy that way. It has shocks lifts for easy access to the eggs. When the lid is closed, the nest partitions are about 6" from the top. It's only a few inches off the ground but has a front plate to keep things from sliding around. There will be bedding on the front walkway that's currently just wood. Will this be okay for laying? I tend to think about this stuff too much. I'm assuming the chickens don't care.

Looks good. Got pictures of the whole coop? It is hard to picture how this fits in the larger picture.

 

[Ryguy3684]

I would make the front lip a bit higher to keep nesting materials in better. I'm constantly filling mine back up when the girls scratch them out. Also they might prefer a top/lid. Mine seek out hidey holes when they can find them. I guess a little cave makes them feel comfy.

Thanks for the input. I was debating putting a top on. I've got some extra plywood so I'll cut some out.

 

[Ryguy3684]

Looks good. Got pictures of the whole coop? It is hard to picture how this fits in the larger picture.

It's not open to the the coop yet, because I didn't want the chicks hanging out in the boxes before they are ready to lay.

 

[City Farmer Jim]

I use nesting pads, they don't scratch them out and easy to clean. The pads are 13"x13" and the nest boxes are 12"x12" so when installed they make a little bowl ish for the the gurls to set in they seem to like them a lot. Where did you get or what kind of strut rods did you use?

 

[Ryguy3684]

I use nesting pads, they don't scratch them out and easy to clean. The pads are 13"x13" and the nest boxes are 12"x12" so when installed they make a little bowl ish for the the gurls to set in they seem to like them a lot. Where did you get or what kind of strut rods did you use?

Thanks. I have nest pads in there as well. The struts were on Amazon. They are intended for s.u.v. lift gates.

 

[City Farmer Jim]

Great ....I'm off to the Amazon then ...you are going to have some Happy chickens when they start to lay.

 

[jreardon1918]

It's not open to the the coop yet, because I didn't want the chicks hanging out in the boxes before they are ready to lay.

I Like it. The top opening has hydraulic assist. And the nest boxes are low enough to let kids assist gathering eggs. It looks pretty secure. One thought. Reaching the box near the coop could be a stretch. Could you reverse the door, so that it opens away from the nests?

 

[Ryguy3684]

Great ....I'm off to the Amazon then ...you are going to have some Happy chickens when they start to lay.

These are the ones I used, but there are others. The mounting brackets are sold seperate.

Suspa C16-08055 Force 120 lbs Gas Springs Set of 2

1.