Nesting boxes and coop design

[Hammy1967]

I am looking into building a chicken coop in a 54" space between my house and fence. It is 20' long. In doing so, do nesting boxes need to extend from the coop or can I build a larger door to just walk into the coop and gather eggs from the nesting boxes?

 

[AngelzFyre]

That's really personal preference. I'd suggest looking at some of the coop designs on BYC and also nest box configurations and see what you like and what would fit in your particular plans and budget. Personally I have my nest boxes opening to the outside of the coop so that if necessary I can sort of "shoo" the setting hens back into the main coop and collect the eggs if they aren't so keen on my reaching under them for eggs. Some of my broodies are really evil!! LOL I keep saying I'm going to invent arm protection specifically for that purpose...

Good luck and keep us posted on what you come up with!

 

[Judy]

Mine are inside my coop, some of them so that I can move them around. Never had a broody I had much trouble handling.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

I would make them as accessible and easy to collect eggs as possible. The only thing to make sure is that they are easy for the chickens to access so they do not look elsewhere to lay and make them nice and dark so they feel comfortable in them.

 

[AngelzFyre]

Quote:
My Orpingtons are all sweethearts, even when broody

...but I've got 2 BCM and 1 Cuckoo girl that delight in seeing who can pinch me fastest and hardest when they are first going broody!!