Topic of the Week - Nest boxes

[NorthTexasWink]

Well done!

 

[trudyg]

I hung external nest boxes on one coop and, apparently, hanged it too low. I had ant nests coming up under the box and had a devil of a time keeping that under control. My advice is that anything hanging out over the ground gives you enough clearance to access underneath.

 

[byounghusband]

Good Point!! That pretty much seals the deal. Nesting boxes inside the coop.
Thanks!!

I hung external nest boxes on one coop and, apparently, hanged it too low. I had ant nests coming up under the box and had a devil of a time keeping that under control. My advice is that anything hanging out over the ground gives you enough clearance to access underneath.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Right now, I have two enclosed cat litter boxes that are going to be offered as nest boxes. I figured they're the right size and easy to clean.... why not. I'm gonna have three to four for a total of 8-10 hens...

 

[NorthTexasWink]

Plenty of folks use those litter boxes as nests. Good idea.

 

[Tully Mars]

I use plastic milk crates turned on their side and screwed together, stacked 3 high. I use good 'o grass hay as bedding, mainly because it's what we used as a kid growing up and because it's free
Boxes are about 2 feet or so off the ground with a walk leading up to them and a rest or perch in front of them. Boxes are inside the coop, as I like to check on things as I feed/water/collect the daily bounty. I have a solar powered light inside the coop that is angled towards the boxes that helps when collecting eggs/cleaning out the boxes and coop.
I do have a couple of birds that like to poo in the nest, but I have been told that is not unusual for the breed I have-Red Sex-Link.

 

[Akrnaf2]

Here my idea for very cheap and useful nest boxes

All you need is old tyre, scrap wood, net leftovers and some tarp to cover it.

 

[NorthTexasWink]

@Akrnaf2 those look very large for chicken nest boxes. Are they for turkeys or maybe ostriches?

 

[Akrnaf2]

@Akrnaf2 those look very large for chicken nest boxes. Are they for turkeys or maybe ostriches?

Not at all, chickens are doing wonderfuly there.
I think that Diatryma is a better choice!

 

[NorthTexasWink]