Thanks everyone I built the nest box pics on post #16

[needafarm]

Hello fellow chicken coop builders Im looking for pics of external nest boxes
so I can get an idea of how to fram it into the coop. Pictures of the inside where it attaches as well as the outside would help alot. I'm trying to figure out how to properly support it. This is my first solo building project ever. So far the coop seems to be coming along. Thanks.

 

[MIKE555444]

I have to soon build some ext nest boxes also(My pullets are getting closer)... so i'm hoping to sponge off your results here

 

[needafarm]

hmm. Nothing yet.

 

[patandchickens]

If you browse coop pages I'm sure you'd find some there.

Do you really want external nest BOXES (which only make sense if it is a teeny tiny tractor with hardly any floorspace and a low ceiling), or do you just want external ACCESS to normal nestboxes built on the interior walls? B/c except for teeny low tractors the latter makes a lot more sense.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[WriterofWords]

Have you looked at all the coop pages? There are some great pictures and instructions for the nest boxes that stick outside of the coops.

 

[Paws2u]

I don't know if these are what you are searching for, but our nest boxes are accessible from the outside and sort of extend out of the coop. They have predator-proof (I pray) lids and latches. I hope this helps. PS: the inside has a lift up 1x4 where you can clean the inside of the box with relative ease.

 

[Luna1968]

I like the idea of external nest boxes that protrude out of the coop, because they seem easier to access eggs and less stepping in poo. Will this idea work on a small coop? We were considering four boxes for a flock of 10-12. Also, is it more to construct boxes this way? Cost is deffinately an issue.

 

[needafarm]

My coop is 4x4 for 3 chicks. They do have access to a large run. Cold weather is not an issue neither is rain because I live in bakersfield Ca. Their run has plenty of shade. I was planing on 1 nest box and wanted to try to do external to conserve space. Is one box enough? I'm just not sure how to fram it in so it is supported. I'm pretty sure I can build the box but how do I attach it? Thanks

 

[reondo63]

Am I foolish.... it gets down to -30 here in the winter. Is it wise to have external nesting boxes? I'm trying to not lose floor space in my coop. Will my eggs freeze assuming my girls are laying over the winter??

 

[MIKE555444]

This is NOT mine but this member has a simple external nest box

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=10217-Coop_and_Run

Hope this helps

Here is another good link also:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=79543&p=1