Relationship of Roost to Nest Box?

[hensnchix]

Hi all, We are inching along on our coop. We will putting in a shelf to hold the nest box tomorrow. I thought I read somewhere that the roost is supposed to be near the nest box? Not near the nest box? Something important here, but I can't remember what!

Any suggestions? And how high up should the nest box be?

Thank you! The kids painted the door to the coop today--the lawn and the dog are now covered with yellow paint, but boy is that door cute!

Susan

 

[silkiechicken]

Well, just make sure the nest boxes are lower than the roosts and they can't roost on the nest boxes. Else you have poo in and on them. Yuck!

My chickens lay on the ground and their roosts are only about 2 feet off the ground. Heavy breeds can hurt their legs jumping down.

 

[Whirlwind]

I don't think it matters if they are close or not. But just like Silkie said make sure they don't roost over the nests. My roost is not far from the nests but nests are in there own enclosed area. I have a ramp up to the nest boxes and they are probably 2' up. They also like a dark quiet spot to lay. I have 3 nests in my nesting area and they walk right by the first 2 and always lay in the one that is darkest and most private. Sometimes they are waiting in line for the nest.