While chatting with @TexasWineGuy I was inspired to build a front exit roll out nest box for my new coop. The design is to go underneath the poop table and be attached to the poop table so if I move the poop table the nest box goes with it. Originally I was going to build a rear discharge roll out nest box similar to my Mk3 that I use now, but putting it under the poop table has several advantages. It takes up zero floor space as there is room for the chickens to go under to get away from being pecked. It's a simpler design than my Mk3 because it's not out in the weather. Just like my Mk3 the false floor slides out for cleaning. This also simplifies the dividing wall construction. And I don't have to worry about chickens flying up and roosting on top of the nest box.
Building the Mk4 turned out to be much simpler with the sides made from 3/4 plywood and the frame is made from 1x2's using pocket screws to fasten it together. A piece of OSB for the false floor, the back and the egg box cover and a 1x6 for the front of the egg box.
I made a couple of changes to the original design after fitting the Mk4 into the poop table frame, I lowered it down 2" and moved it forward 3" both to make it easy for a hen to hop up on the egg box cover and go inside to pay the rent.
Views of the completed frame and sides (the rear 1x2's are in the wrong position, forgot to allow for the thickness of the OSB. Notice there is nothing right up front under the false floor, this is so you can push down on the false floor then slide it out.
The complete Mk4 minus the carpet runner on the false floor and some curtains.
This shows the completed egg box cover, the cleats keep it in place. No hinges are needed.
And the Mk4 mounted to the poop table.
I plan on making some smaller versions of my feeder to go on each side of the nest box to allow some distance between hens when they eat.
JT
Building the Mk4 turned out to be much simpler with the sides made from 3/4 plywood and the frame is made from 1x2's using pocket screws to fasten it together. A piece of OSB for the false floor, the back and the egg box cover and a 1x6 for the front of the egg box.
I made a couple of changes to the original design after fitting the Mk4 into the poop table frame, I lowered it down 2" and moved it forward 3" both to make it easy for a hen to hop up on the egg box cover and go inside to pay the rent.
Views of the completed frame and sides (the rear 1x2's are in the wrong position, forgot to allow for the thickness of the OSB. Notice there is nothing right up front under the false floor, this is so you can push down on the false floor then slide it out.
The complete Mk4 minus the carpet runner on the false floor and some curtains.
This shows the completed egg box cover, the cleats keep it in place. No hinges are needed.
And the Mk4 mounted to the poop table.
I plan on making some smaller versions of my feeder to go on each side of the nest box to allow some distance between hens when they eat.
JT
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