Nesting boxes.. Inside vs. Outside

[ORChickFam]

Does it really matter to a chicken if their nesting boxes are inside the coop or outside as long as it provides shelter from the elements and gives them a nice place to lay?

We're behind on the boxes and since the girls are taken to laying in the ivy in the fenced off bike area, it got me to wonder if it really matters where I put the boxes. I like the idea of using rubbermaid totes, weighting the bottoms down and having them outside but it is summer and when fall/winter hits the rain will be ridiculous here on the OR Coast, so maybe having them accessible from inside the coop is the better idea right?

I really just need to make a decision and stick with it.

 

[Spartan22]

Does it really matter to a chicken if their nesting boxes are inside the coop or outside as long as it provides shelter from the elements and gives them a nice place to lay?

We're behind on the boxes and since the girls are taken to laying in the ivy in the fenced off bike area, it got me to wonder if it really matters where I put the boxes. I like the idea of using rubbermaid totes, weighting the bottoms down and having them outside but it is summer and when fall/winter hits the rain will be ridiculous here on the OR Coast, so maybe having them accessible from inside the coop is the better idea right?
I really just need to make a decision and stick with it. 

I got both nesting boxes inside the coop and outside in the run

 

[ORChickFam]

I got both nesting boxes inside the coop and outside in the run

Oh how lovely!

 

[aart]

Does it really matter to a chicken if their nesting boxes are inside the coop or outside as long as it provides shelter from the elements and gives them a nice place to lay?

We're behind on the boxes and since the girls are taken to laying in the ivy in the fenced off bike area, it got me to wonder if it really matters where I put the boxes. I like the idea of using rubbermaid totes, weighting the bottoms down and having them outside but it is summer and when fall/winter hits the rain will be ridiculous here on the OR Coast, so maybe having them accessible from inside the coop is the better idea right?

I really just need to make a decision and stick with it.

I'd suggest making the nests inside the coop to accommodate the year round situations.
Getting them in the habit of laying in one place will relieve confusion and frustration down the road.
They are creatures of habit and we need to help them build good habits by providing good housing for their needs(and ours)......
.....and a little manipulation and coercion if necessary to attain the good habits.

 

[Spartan22]

I defer (agreed) to what Aart says. The reason I have couple of nests outside was 2 of my layers were being bullied. Therefore they were laying eggs on the ground in the run. When I added extra nest outside, no more dirty eggs on the floor but majority lays eggs inside the coop.

 

[gcmair]

Hi there.

I am building new houses for my breeding stock of rare breeds which will have sheds but will be free to range in a fox proof compound. The sheds are colorbond (tin) and I don't really want to cut into the sides and I don't want free standing nesting boxes in the shed as the chooks will roost on or in them and foul them. So I'm thinking free standing outside weatherproof boxes (i.e. no access from inside the shed). This way i can also move them around if I have to and even use them with chicken tractors. I'm thus thinking to build at least half a dozen sets (3 or 4 boxes per set). Anybody seen some good designs that will meet my needs. I'm thinking its a good idea to put a plastic or fabric flap on the front for privacy and a bit of extra rain proofing.

Graham