Nesting boxes?

[cromic13]

I am having a new coop built this week and will need nesting boxes. What is the preferred material? I live in Upstate New York and was told that the metal nesting boxes would be too cold in the winter.

 

[Kiki]

I am having a new coop built this week and will need nesting boxes. What is the preferred material? I live in Upstate New York and was told that the metal nesting boxes would be too cold in the winter.

That is probably correct.

 

[aart]

Wood Would be better.

 

[saysfaa]

How could metal be too cold? The chickens don't touch them much. Anyway, they have been used extensively and successfully throughout the northern tier states. If your roosts are not higher than the nest boxes, the hens are likely to roost in or on the nest boxes or perches in front of the boxes - in that case, metal is not a good choice for the tops or perches for the same reason roosting bars aren't made a metal in cold climates- metal pulls heat away from their feet. But if they are awake, they will move before it is a problem. Inside the nest boxes matters less, even if they sleep in them, because the nesting material insulates. You don't want them roosting in the nest boxes anyway because they poop all night.

Preferred materials include: metal, wood, plastic, basket, ceramic. Even rubber, I think. The hens don't care as long as they are big enough, and give a sense of seclusion/safety.

Some people prefer to make them and others to buy them. Some prefer cheap, or not look cheap. Some prefer them all the same, others like all different....cute, simple, sturdy enough to support something on top of them, light enough to hang without a lot of bracing, remind them of Grandma's nests, a modern style, easy to clean, easy to replace, long lasting. Etc, etc,etc.

 

[aart]

How could metal be too cold?

Because metal conducts cold faster than wood.
I don't know that metal would be TOO cold, but still.