Ramp to Nesting Boxes?

[AngieB]

We had our first egg today - it was a soft one under the roost.

The nesting boxes are only a couple feet off the ground, with no ramp, and we've seen some of the chickens exploring them. Do you think we would more likely get them all using them if there was a ramp? Or will they just hop up there? There is a perch in front of the boxes.

I know they can hop up that high without a problem, but maybe when an egg is coming they don't like to jump? I know it sounds like a silly question, but I want to start good habits and get them using their nesting boxes, and I see so many references to a "ramp".

Thanks,
Angie

 

[gallinamama]

Hi, I have been thinking the same thing... I am wondering how to construct something for them to get up more easily... I took the perches out to the run... but they have been sleeping under a feed box that I had made... so my husband helped me take it out so they will have more room... now I am thinking that is the spot they like to sleep so I need to figure out how to make a few perches with something underneath to catch the drippings.. maybe then they will not poop in the nesting boxes...

They sleep in the lower left corner, under neath the feeder box...

I took that big feeder box out and I want to construct some kind of perch... I have been looking on BYC for some ideas...

I even went to lowes today for some dowls (sp)... but couldn't find them or anyone to help me.

I was at the tractor supply also and no one would help me with the chains I needed.... whats up with people?

I will put a hanger feeder in and hang that big gallon waterer..up... and get rid of the blocks. makes for easier cleaning... There are two windows now in the back... I am so happy that I have windows for them to get some air.

If it wasn't for my son I wouldn't get anything done.. he helps me with the construction.. so does my soon to be ex son in law... LOL Pretty nice guy... he does because he wants to not to impress...

 

[JLS]

It sounds like you have everything your birds need. If you have a perch/roost in front of the boxes and the boxes are only a few feet off the ground your birds will be fine. I do not have a ramp just a roost in front of the nest boxes like you. My birds use their boxes. Keep in mind that on occasion, even when the birds are "nest box trained", you may find a stray egg on the floor.

It sounds like they are just starting to lay, right? You may want to put an egg/golf ball/wooden egg in a nest box or two. I find that my girls love to lay eggs where others have laid them. You may find more than one bird in a nest box at a time

Hang in there, they'll gert the hang of it. Keep up the good work!!

 

[ADozenGirlz]

While my nest boxes are at floor-level, some of them still insist on trying to sleep in the nest boxes, so I have to close them off before dusk every evening. <sigh> Silly little birds.

 

[gallinamama]

Quote:
Thankyou. I know we try our best... my family thinks I have flipped my wig.. but that is ok...Maybe someone on BYC will give us some pointers... I know they have helped me already!!! Have you posted pics yet... I would love to see them... I just figured out how to do the "my page" thing.. then I fiddled for a day or two and now I can post pics on the message boards... who say an old lady can't learn new things???

I better watch out , I might revert into a youngin...

 

[gallinamama]

Quote:
So cute and inventive!!

great job!

 

[OrloffTom]

I don't have ramps up to my boxes but I probably should put another roost a little closer to the highest two nest boxes

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[Opa]

Gallinamama, your birds would do much better if you use a 2x4 on the flat for a roost. The birds will be much more comfortable than on anything round and it will allow them to settle down on to their feet in winter and they can expand their feathers and will be warmer. You will want to place the rooster higher than the nest to prevent them from sleeping in the nestboxes. You might want to add a dropping board under the roost. I have one in my large fowl coop and it catches at least 90% of the droppings. Simple scrape off into a bucket and your coop stays cleaner. If you need help understanding how best to construct in please contact me. You may have to install a small ladder to help them get up and down from the roost. You wouldn't want them to jump down from any real height and they could injure a leg on even break an egg internally.

Angie B, I have small perches just below the lip of the nest boxes. That way the hens have slightly less distance to cover in one bound.

 

[lynxs1981]

Quote:
One thing I've noticed is that it's easier for the hens to get it the nest boxes when the front is open; so they can walk right in. I see in your pictures that your's are enclosed all the way around.

 

[gallinamama]

I thought about that too. My son was over on Sunday to put the windows in .. I felt bad about asking him to cut those too... it was so hot out... and they had to go.

We do not have electricity out there yet and might not ever since my "H" has said it is too expensive.

I have thought maybe solar? but I do not know anything about that... but it is worth a try right? I would like a light and a small heater for the winter... I also have to finish insulating and covering the walls.