Time to figure out nesting boxes!i

[cleoppa]

So my crew is nearly ready to start laying, so I've been thinking about nesting boxes. I have 6 hens--1 brown leghorn, 1 australorp, 1 buff orpington and 3 ameraucanas (OK, easter eggers).

After browsing some threads, I'm thinking about doing a 5x2 community nesting box with one hole in the middle. Sloping, hinged roof. It's not supposed to be higher than their perches, so I was thinking I'd hang it on the chain link fence a foot or so off the ground. Does this sound good so far?

OK, on to more questions... what wood? Does it matter? Will plywood hold up or should I go for something more expensive? What about weather proofing the wood? If I get a good shingled roof will that protect it or should I paint it with some sealant? Inside and out or just outside? What about cleaning? Should I make some sort of side door so I can easily shuffle all the stuff out when it comes time to clean?

Thanks!
Becky

 

[Sarahchic]

I am not a fan of community nests because I think they like the security and feel of an individual nest box. For six hens I would think that 3 seperate boxes would be more then enough and from your dimensions you have plenty of space for three. Mine are built with plywood and since they are not exposed to the weather I have not had any problems and I did not paint mine. Also, it is always handly to have a door in the back so you can just open the door and reach into the nests to collect eggs. It also makes it easier to clean the nests if needed.