Tips and recommendations for roll-away nests

[FlyWheel]

Hi

I'm planning on designing a pair of roll away nesting boxes to (hopefully) put a stop to my hens' sudden craving for their own eggs. I have searched here and watched some YouTube videos on the subject but I still have a few questions.

1. What (if anything) do you line the nesting area with? I've heard of people using AstroTurf, but I've also heard that the eggs can get hung up in it and not roll. I also would like something that is easy to clean.
2. If you do cover the nest area with something, where can I find it?
3. What angle do you recommend for the nesting surface and the type of covering you're using? Obviously it has to be steep enough so the eggs will roll, but not too steep or the hens may not be comfortable enough and might not use it.
4. Anything else you can suggest will be appreciated.

 

[B Redhawk]

The cages used for production eggs are set with a forward slant of 5 degrees, the eggs come out the front of the "nest box" and slip onto a U shaped rubber tray which may or may not also be slanted towards one end of the row for gathering.

Just about any "soft" material should work for cushioning. The short, artificial turf plastic stuff would work or even cushioned indoor/outdoor carpet should work. There should not be any "straight down" drop in the eggs path.

 

[FlyWheel]

5 Deg. sounds rather shallow. Great for the hens but will the egg roll down the AstroTurf at such a low angle?

 

[Diannastarr]

check out this idea , im going to try this one, its pretty easy looking , an the pan already had the best slope ,plus even if you have a broody hen in that box you can just lift the pan out , and her eggs will stay under her, no problem ..!Roll away nest boxes

 

[Hank Kooistra]

Hi

I'm planning on designing a pair of roll away nesting boxes to (hopefully) put a stop to my hens' sudden craving for their own eggs. I have searched here and watched some YouTube videos on the subject but I still have a few questions.

1. What (if anything) do you line the nesting area with? I've heard of people using AstroTurf, but I've also heard that the eggs can get hung up in it and not roll. I also would like something that is easy to clean.
2. If you do cover the nest area with something, where can I find it?
3. What angle do you recommend for the nesting surface and the type of covering you're using? Obviously it has to be steep enough so the eggs will roll, but not too steep or the hens may not be comfortable enough and might not use it.
4. Anything else you can suggest will be appreciated.

 

[Aunt Tat]

I'm PLANNING on using something like this. I like the idea of the herbs that may make the hen's daily stop in the nest box a bit more enjoyable (?)

 

[jthornton]

I use carpet runners to line the roll out nest boxes I have. I put some 1/8" foam under the carpet liner.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/roll-out-nest-box-mk3.73816/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/roll-out-nest-box-mk4.1323734/#post-21587660

Egg eaters need to get a boy friend or a stew pot or a new zip code.

JT

 

[aart]

I like the idea of the herbs that may make the hen's daily stop in the nest box a bit more enjoyable (?)

Herbs are for cooking