Outside nest boxes have a split lid...

[Minflick]

The very kind folk who helped me assemble my coop decided that they'd put a split lid on the nest box, as we didn't have any more wood if a size to make a one piece top. That, however, (naturally) leaves me with a lovely gap where rain, once we get some, will pour into the nest box. I need a 1 or 2 piece solution to a) join the two halves together reliably (don't want my join ripping out soon) and b) waterproof the gap.

I don't care if my fix shows, but I DO want it to work and not impede the fit of the door onto the box frame. It's fine if the fix still requires me to be gentle with my conjoined lid. I want it to end up a one piece top, and I want it waterproof! We will eventually get rain where I live. I have faith!





Ideas please!!!

Melinda

 

[tracecom]

You can use a piece of 1 x 4 (actually 3/4" by 3 1/2") to cover the seam. About six (three on each side of the seam) 3/4" wood screws put through the bottom of the lid into the 1 x 4 would hold it tight and be durable. A coat of paint over the 1 x 4 would make it blend in. And the 1 x 4 would be a good spot to mount a hook (or something) to hold the lid open while you gather the eggs. Be sure that the length of the 1 x 4 is sized to fit outside the next box, and not interfere when the lid is open. You might angle the cut on the high end of the 1 x 4 to allow the lid to open more fully.

You will also probably need a piece of rubber (like a strip from an inner tube) to cover the hinge area so that water will not enter the nest box there.

 

[Chick Charm]

Attach flashing or shingles that overlap both but is only attached on one side.

 

[aart]

I'd strongly suggest that you go buy a piece of wood big enough to cover the whole box and overhang by at least 2-3 inches on sides and front.

Even if you cover the gap somehow, the edges of the lid are so close to the sides of the box that water may wick around the edge of the lid and end up inside the nests anyway.

Agrees that hinges should be protected as tracecom noted in post above.

 

[Ridgerunner]

When I make a nest like that I hinge the bottom of the front so the door is on the front. I slope the top so water runs off, have the top overhang like Aart mentioned, and caulk the joint so water can't get in. That solves so many of these problems but creates one. With the top sloping it can be hard to open the door without hitting the overhang. I solve that by putting a strip of wood across the top. The door itself doesn't come all the way to the top.

I've also used a guillotine type door that slides sideways instead of up to avoid that sloped overhang.

I don't have any experience with that door on top so can't really help you with your problem. I know, not much help. Good luck!