Nesting boxes

[Fancypants1]

Do nesting boxes have to be off the floor or does it matter?

 

[jeepguy982001]

not really. only real difference in my opinion you'll just lose some floor space depending on the size of the box.

 

[iwiw60]

My 2 nesting boxes will be sitting on top of my "sick/broody/jail pen". That way I'm not losing floor space but rather making use of the precious commodity!

 

[Fancypants1]

I am just trying to figure out were to put my roosting poles in - any suggestions? As you can see I have a high roof (it's about 5-6 feet tall).

 

[Ridgerunner]

Some people put nests up high so they don't have to bend over when they look inside, especially good for people with bad backs. Some people set a cardboard box or cat litter pan on the floor, add nesting material, and call that good. A lot of people do something somewhere in between. They all work.

 

[Wol1]

I am just trying to figure out were to put my roosting poles in - any suggestions? As you can see I have a high roof (it's about 5-6 feet tall).

I suspect they will roost on those perches in front of the nest boxes. They seem pretty far out in front of them. If there is room for the poop not to fall in the nest boxes if they turn their backs that way, that may be all you need. Otherwise, I only see the spot to the left of the door.

You may want to put some used rubber roofing or linoleum on the floor.

 

[Fancypants1]

Yes, the perches are 12 inches away from the nesting boxes. I have the linoleum floor to put down - still have a few weeks until my little ones are out of the brooder.

 

[iwiw60]

I am just trying to figure out were to put my roosting poles in - any suggestions? As you can see I have a high roof (it's about 5-6 feet tall).

From what I can see, if those pics are of your nesting boxes, your "landing roosts" for them are way too far away from the boxes themselves. I would guess to have them no more than 12" away from the boxes...that'll save tons of room right there alone. As for where to put your nighttime roosting bar(s) that's a tough question. Right now your nesting boxes are taking up the majority of your space. What 'size' are those boxes? Maybe you can "shrink" the overall size of the boxes, plus pulling in those landing roost bars, you should gain some good space...dunno, just thinkin' !!

 

[Gayleyy]

I do not think they will use those boxes up at the top. My hens do not like their boxes up too high, nor do they like them on the floor. They are happy with about 2.5 feet off the ground. We started with 6 boxes, and are now down to just 3 because the rest were never used. They also will not use a nesting box that is exposed, they like a bit of privacy. The roosting poles we put on the opposite side of the coop from the boxes, but in yours you may be able to run them along that left side. They do not have to be very far out from the wall, maybe 10 inches away should be fine.

 

[Fancypants1]

From what I can see, if those pics are of your nesting boxes, your "landing roosts" for them are way too far away from the boxes themselves. I would guess to have them no more than 12" away from the boxes...that'll save tons of room right there alone. As for where to put your nighttime roosting bar(s) that's a tough question. Right now your nesting boxes are taking up the majority of your space. What 'size' are those boxes? Maybe you can "shrink" the overall size of the boxes, plus pulling in those landing roost bars, you should gain some good space...dunno, just thinkin' !!

Good that you are thinking and I am getting good advise to consider. The landing posts are about 12 inches from the boxes and the boxes are a foot square.