New Member with a question ~

Date sort Score sort
Bramley

Bramley

Hatching
Aug 10, 2015
7
0
7
Hi -

I just posted a question on nesting boxes - Wood vs Metal what are the pros and cons? Also curious if anyone has used "roll out" bottoms to protect eggs from being broken.

My husband and I are in the final stages of building our dream farm just outside of Charlottesville Va. Our goal is to live more sustainably with chickens, a large garden, fruit trees and a small vineyard. So far it has been lots of hard work, but we are loving our new life and really enjoying having chickens. Country entertainment!

I have been reading BYC for several months since we brought our 9 chickens and 1 rooster home - they hatched in early May. No eggs yet, but they are all doing well and seem very content.

My husband is retired and collects classic cards, plays guitar and loves astronomy. We have 2 wonderful grown children and are hoping for some grandchildren! I am a trained genealogist, dog lover, love cooking and entertaining, floral design and country life!

Looking forward to getting to know other Back Yard Farmers.

Pam
 
Hi :welcome Pam

Glad you could join the flock! I've never used metal nest boxes so I can't be of much help on that. But I would think that metal would maybe generate a lot of heat in the sun? I've always used wood and the downside is it can be a perfect home for mites in the nooks and crannies. Keeping on top of them to stop infestation is crucial. Also wood needs to be cared for as in treating regular to prevent rotting. Other than that I like wood.

Wishing you the very best of luck in the future, I hope you gets lots of other feedback too so you can make your decision. Everyone here to help and very friendly.

Enjoy BYC :frow
 
welcome-byc.gif

I have used EVERYTHING for laying boxes. Metal, wood, cardboard, cat litter boxes, you name it I've used it at some point or another! My all time favourite, and the chickens seem to love it too, is dog houses. Plastic dog houses.
I go to yard sales all the time, and you can get them SUPER cheap. I get them for about 5 bucks each, clean them really good, scrub em, soap em, dry em, fill em up with straw, and stick em in the chicken pen.
The lay eggs in them, sleep in them, and since I have Silkies and consequently broodies ALL THE TIME, they can set and hatch in them as well.
After using everything, including the expensive special laying boxes where the egg rolls out in a little tray and everything, I've used nothing better than a dog house.
Good luck with your flock, and feel free to ask any questions, we love to help!
welcome-byc.gif
 
Last edited:
Some folks like to use the hooded cat litter boxes (thoroughly cleaned & sanitized) that can be found at yard sales etc. Gives the hens the privacy they enjoy. They are plastic and easy to clean.
 
What a nice welcome! Thank you and I look forward to paying it forward when I have a bit more experience.
wee.gif
 
Hi Pam, welcome to BYC!

I've only used wood too but I can see where the plastic alternatives would be good. If you ever end up with an egg eater (hope not), the roll out bottoms are good because the hens can't get at the eggs. So, what breed(s) of chickens do you have? I take it since you have a rooster, you plan on hatching some eggs...better make that coop expandable, lol!

It's nice to have you here, enjoy your flock and BYC!
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom