Nesting boxes for restricted free range egg laying systems

[muircheartaigh]

I recently added an egg wagon to our pastured poultry system on our small diversified family farm. It has built in nesting boxes however, some hens have been laying eggs in the grass, which then get trampled, stained, cracked, and sometimes eaten afterwards. I've heard it said the milk crate sometime make suitable nesting boxes but are there any other ideas out there that some of you might be willing to share for an egg-wagon system.

Thanks for any tips or ideas.

 

[centrarchid]

I recently added an egg wagon to our pastured poultry system on our small diversified family farm.  It has built in nesting boxes however, some hens have been laying eggs in the grass, which then get trampled, stained, cracked, and sometimes eaten afterwards.  I've heard it said the milk crate sometime make suitable nesting boxes but are there any other ideas out there that some of you might be willing to share for an egg-wagon system.

Thanks for any tips or ideas.

 

[muircheartaigh]

Interesting. How hot do they get in the summer months? What are you using for nesting material?

 

[centrarchid]

Interesting. How hot do they get in the summer months? What are you using for nesting material?

Lower portion like ambient shade. Broody hens use them during heat of summer which is reason I am adopting them. Nesting material is oyster shell. Oyster shell does not stain eggs and provides ballast. Blue barrels are generally the other option, Place just one out in the pasture and you are likely to see something very interesting. I am also going to try elevating them so I do not have to stoop.

 

[centrarchid]

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