Nesting Boxes: Why two feet off the floor?

[alexfrommaine]

Hi everyone, new to the forum.

I'm putting together an A-frame tractor (5'x12' total, enclosed at 4'x5', remainder netted run) for birds arriving in a few weeks. I've read in various places that nesting boxes need to be elevated, but with the a-frame, elevated space is in short supply. Why not have nesting boxes elevated 6 or so inches off the ground so I can get a layer of hardware cloth down? Any real reason to the 2' figure I've seen thrown around?

Thanks for the advice. Pictures if you guys like.

 

[BlueEggs4Life]

I dont see any real NEED for them to be up off the floor 2 feet. Mine are stacked, the first one is at ground level.

 

[rcentner]

The chickens don't care, I have had nest boxes on floor level and off the floor (and I am sure I didn't measure the 2 ft, just put it up where it looks good). On the floor is nice if you plan to have some broodies, then you don't have to worry about the chicks jumping out and hurting themselves.

 

[elmo]

I think it may be because it's easier for you to collect the eggs out of them without stooping. Chickens are fine with nesting on the ground (usually).

 

[patandchickens]

Normally you would put them high enough on the walls that chickens can walk freely below them, so they are not subtracting from the usable floorspace of the coop. Also many believe that having them somewhat raised like that is better for discouraging 'floor eggs' (whcih get all pooey) - although I've used floor-level nestboxes myself with zero problem so evidently it "varies".

But in an A-frame, as you say, there just is not ROOM to make them raised. I would suggest making them at floor level (floor of the upstairs living quarters, that is)... there is no point in having 6" underneath them, as chickens can't use that and it just becomes a cleaning problem.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat