Nesting box

[JNC]

Is a 5gallon bucket a good nesting box? Is it too small?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I've had birds use them, and even seen lids for them cut to make it more traditional nesting box-like (etc etc etc). Prefer plastic milk crates for prebuilts, because they don't roll - and much prefer building my own so I can access the eggs without having to go into the hen house via top or back.

but yes, they are big enough.

 

[45lk9p459gm-w]

Milk crates as mentioned above.

 

[aart]

Is a 5gallon bucket a good nesting box? Is it too small?

IMO, yes.
I tried them, but even my smallest birds didn't like not being able to easily turn around and get settled.

 

[JNC]

Okay, think I might go with the milk crate. I don’t have hay at the moment..is there anything else I can fill it with?

 

[Everose]

Okay, think I might go with the milk crate. I don’t have hay at the moment..is there anything else I can fill it with?

Shavings work. Maybe a nice towel?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

anything "soft" and absorbant. Straw is my preference, not hay, but I will use leaf litter when I'm out - just make sure its largely clean of sticks and other things you'd rather not sit on. They aren't fond of them either. Pine shavings work too. Saw dust is too fine.

I've not tried a towel.

 

[Everose]

Or just dig a hole in the dirt. That seems to be their favorite

 

[MarmaladeSings]

Milk crates as mentioned above.View attachment 2823435

Do you have any issues with hens sleeping in the nesting crates?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Do your have any issues with hens sleeping in the nesting crates?

If the roosting bars are above the nesting boxes, you generally will not have problems.

Of course, there is always "that one bird". Nothing's perfect.