Ordering my nests, and brooder tonight...

[vortec]

I am in the process of searching for nests( for ten layers ) and a brooder tonight. I am looking at mcmurray's site. Is there any experience with the pre assembled wood nests and the plug in brooders? Is there any others that anybody reccomends for a better price or good quality. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance

vortec

 

[Master S.M.C]

MPC has nest boxes with all the supplies, you just have to assemble it. Don't know about the brooder, I made mine out of wood and Plexiglas.

 

[ghulst]

For 10 hens you will need 2 nest boxs. If I were you i would build them my self. Make them 12"X12" X12" and you will be all set. I have seen cardboard boxes also used.

 

[vortec]

Quote:
You don't need a nest box per hen?

vortec

 

[CovenantCreek]

I LOVE my Fall Harvest wood nest boxes!!! But, don't waste money ordering them from McMurray, they're less expensive at eggcartons.com.

edited to add: Get either the 4 or 6 hole, I've got 11 hens sharing my 4 hole nest. The 4 hole was the better value when I did the math a week ago to order new ones.

 

[plreef]

I seen nest boxes made out of 5 gallon buckets. I was thinking about making some for myself.

 

[skand]

Quote:
You don't need a nest box per hen?

vortec

If you do that, they will all use the same one. Waste of money.
We used 5 gallon buckets, they used them, now, they pefer a dog crate with the door taken off.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

5 gallon buckets, milk crates, covered kitty litter boxes, anything a chicken can sit in or on is good enough for a nest. I would put out 3 just to be sure. Mine all prefer on that is a triangle. I used to be a small roost that they were laying under. I just put a board over it to make it a bit darker for them.

 

[Laskaland]

I nesting box for every 4/5 hens is what I have witnessed.
They pick a favorite and share it...
All good ideas above, btw... don't waste money on the nesting boxes!!

A brooder can be made out of a rubbermaid tub

Do a search here on BYC...I'll surf and see if I can find the one I used...

Here ya go! https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=6233

I use the the largest CLEAR rubbermaid type tote I could find. I like the clear b/c then the birds can see what's happening outside of the box and seem less likely to jump out (my experience). I keep the top of the tote, cut out a rectangle with an exacto knife and place screening/ wire on top and then set the heat lamp on top of the wire. Lamp should be like 18" from the babies. I place wood chips on the bottom and cover with paper towels (babies will eat the shavings). Waterer and just scatter food for a couple days until they "get" it. This brooder may cost you $20...

 

[CoyoteMagic]

If you have a spare bathroom, heated basement or garage, I would put my brooder out there. These guys can get really smelly and kick up a bunch of dust. Dust=dried poop!!

I had to re-do my master bathroom because it smelled like chickie poo!