Nesting boxes idea: Will this work?

[SophieLain127]

I'm considering using milk crates for nesting boxes. I was going to have them sit on the floor and then I was going to hinge a board on top of them to make a sloped area so It will stop poop from getting in. That way when its cleaning time I can just lift up the board and completly remove the crates for cleaning. What do you think.

I started the coop today and have the base and legs before it got to late to use power tools and I think I'll be able to get majority of the walls up and possibly the roof.

 

[noodleman]

I'll be interested in seeing if this works out for you. Post a pic when you get them built if you can. I am currently working on my coop, and am looking for ideas.

 

[Kansaseq]

Quote:
My nests are old milk crates with a board across the front to keep the eggs in. I have them screwed onto the coop wall. Works very well, and was cheap. I've also heard of people using old buckets laid out on their sides.

 

[SophieLain127]

I've been told to keep the pullets away or out of the nesting boxes until they are ready to use them. So I figure if they are removeable then I don't have to worry about putting them in till they are ready...

 

[CrazyBirdLady]

Quote:
I'm going to be building a coop sometime this year and I will be using the same idea you have. I won't put them on the floor though; they'll probably be 18" or so off the ground (on a shelf/table thing) and I'll probably hang feeders/waterers underneath. I think this will save a lot of floor space for the chickens and keep poopies out of the food/water.

 

[SophieLain127]

That's a good idea. I'm planning on putting a window in and having the roost area there in order to give the girls a view while in the coop. Their water and food will be on the opposite side of the house with the nesting boxes on the back wall.

 

[Omran]

yes it will work great my friend use milk crets for his chickens and they love them.

 

[SophieLain127]

It's settled then I am going with the milk crates!!!

 

[littlebowpeeps]

I just got my little peeps and starting to build their coop. I really like this idea except- where would I get the crates? Thanks

 

[SophieLain127]

you can get them usually off freecycle or craigslist. We picked up like 20 of them last year of craigslist. Or you can buy those crates they sell for organization or files at like office max or staples.