Outdoor Nexting/Roosting boxes

[cinderbay]

We have several ages and stages of hens. Handful currently laying and a group that should start late summer. My question is, will chickens roost and lay eggs in an outdoor nesting box?
Thanks, Kim

 

[nchls school]

We have several ages and stages of hens. Handful currently laying and a group that should start late summer. My question is, will chickens roost and lay eggs in an outdoor nesting box?
Thanks, Kim

Yes. However, you might have more of a predator problem; especially with birds roosting outside at night. This could/would be risky.

 

[aart]

We have several ages and stages of hens. Handful currently laying and a group that should start late summer. My question is, will chickens roost and lay eggs in an outdoor nesting box?
Thanks, Kim

Welcome to BYC!!

I think you have your terms a bit mixed up.
Chickens lay eggs in the nests.....they sleep on the roosts.
You don't want them sleeping in the nests, they'll get them all poopy.
They can lay in outside nests.... but you want them sleeping on roosts, locked up safe in the coop, at night.

 

[cinderbay]

Thank you. It is a totally enclosed shelter. So we are hopeful that wont happen... but often nature does find a way.