Show us your nest boxes! Ingenous design post it here!

[TexasLisa]

I got some 5 gallon corn syrup buckets and cut the lids out. The lids snap on tight but i still wrapped them in duck tape. I have 3 like this, I have two made out of cat litter pails for my three smaller hens. The girls love them. I also bolted them on so i can take them out a wash if needed.

BEAUTIFUL GIRLS!!

Lisa

 

[susan83]

We just finished our hen house and the design really doesn't call for a perch in front of our nest boxes. The whole house is off the ground but once in the hens can just walk into the nest boxes. Do I really need a perch in front of the boxes? We planned on putting a roost bar in for the winter just not in front of the boxes. So my question is do they have to have a perch for their nest boxes?

 

[Twinklin]

We just finished our hen house and the design really doesn't call for a perch in front of our nest boxes. The whole house is off the ground but once in the hens can just walk into the nest boxes. Do I really need a perch in front of the boxes? We planned on putting a roost bar in for the winter just not in front of the boxes. So my question is do they have to have a perch for their nest boxes?

No they don't need to have a perch if they can walk into the boxes. A perch is typically just for nest boxes that are raised so the girls have somewhere to jump/fly up to and land on and can step into the boxes instead of trying to fly into the box opening.

 

[LittleBits]

We have been making some improvements in the hen house and here is an updated picture of their nesting boxes. 10 hens share these. I may make more later.

From This: Two boxes with a small roost to the left.



To This: Two more boxes with a poo-board above.



To This: Boxes changed around and a different poo-board! When I made the new poo-board, I switched them to this side of the coop. Can't ever make up my mind!



To This: Pink for the Girls!

Hubby says we have very intelligent chickens since they can read now!



Painted Nesting Boxes in Painted Coop!!

(This is me...we're finally getting something done!!)

 

[ChookCheeka]

So many genius ides!!

 

[susan83]

Than

...

No they don't need to have a perch if they can walk into the boxes. A perch is typically just for nest boxes that are raised so the girls have somewhere to jump/fly up to and land on and can step into the boxes instead of trying to fly into the box opening. 
Thanks.

 

[mcanada1779]

I JUST GOTTA SAY U GUYS R AWSOME!! I LOVE BACKYARD CHICKENS, I AM NEW AND THE INFO IS GREAT...KEEP IT COMING

 

[Nutmeg101]

I bought 2 nest boxes. I wasn't expecting eggs until spring- so when I found one in the coop- I ran out and bought 2 boxes (for 6 hens- overkill- I know). The coop has "plans" for a nest box on the side, with external access- but in an effort to get very large pullets out of my garage- we didn't build that part yet.

Edited to add- it isn't on the ground. It has several inch clearance- but I put it over where she had laid 2 eggs already - helping her "transition".

 

[SoftBoiled]

Nutmeg... can you provide some details of your nest box? How big is it? From where you sourced it and (!) how much it was...

I have LF Orpingtons (just babies at present) and I need LARGE nest boxes. A breeder friend I know uses dog houses, so I am looking for options.

Thx, Softboiled

 

[Nutmeg101]

Nutmeg... can you provide some details of your nest box?  How big is it?  From where you sourced it and (!) how much it was...

I have LF Orpingtons (just babies at present) and I need LARGE nest boxes.  A breeder friend I know uses dog houses, so I am looking for options.

Thx, Softboiled

15-7/8 in. x 16-1/2 in. x 19-3/4 in.
Polyethylene
Gray
Limited warranty

That info was copied and pasted from Tractor Supply (where purchased) at $20 each.