Topic of the Week - Nest boxes

These are my nesting boxes....I use the dog house box for the larger hens as it seems roomier for them to stand up and turn around in.....
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On the topic of nest box bedding, which my hens tell me I fail miserably at (nothing I put in the boxes, stays in there, NOTHING), this looks nice and has great reviews, has anyone tried it?

https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Pet-Excelsior-Nesting-Pads/dp/B00CAVMIK2/?tag=backy-20

I seen some one who had a problem with the hens kicking the nesting material out and they used sheep wool and they just took a hunk big enough to fit inside of their nest box and it worked well for them
 
We use a milk crate (with the opening facing up). We keep it full of straw in the back corner of the coop. When I clean, I add fresh straw and take out any obvious poop, occasionally sprinkling a bit of DE. Because we don't have a rooster, we just break broody hens as soon as the broodiness sets in!
To attract the ladies, we place a couple of eggs in the box and empty any "secret nests" that come up just in case; even if they stop for a while they eventually go back to it. I haven't had a problem with them sleeping in it except for when our bantam goes broody, but when she does, I put her on the roost when it's dark so she is less likely to go back to it. Hope that helps with any questions :)
 
View attachment 1063723 Mine is still a work in progress but this is what we have so far. It also opens from the top. Planning on using pine shavings and just one big nesting box. Still debating about putting in two plastic tubs (the wash basin type) or not.

I haven't started my 2 boxes yet that will also be off the side like yours. Curious: Do you have it hinged to open on the side so it is easier to clean or a different reason? I was planning just opening from the top but plans are changeable.
 
- What do you use for nest boxes? https://www.bestnestbox.com/
- What bedding materials do you use in your nest boxes? I start with straw on top of the pad and then just go with the pad once they start laying in the box.
- Maintaining your nest boxes. (Cleaning, pest control, etc) Change out the pads when soiled.
- How do you make your nest boxes attractive for the hens? (I.e. encourage them to use the boxes, instead of dropping their eggs all over the yard) I like to use dried herbs similar to this https://www.etsy.com/listing/486200...d4uWtfgo2t1sqvaM1gzgqN09lfw7FlfmioaAjzr8P8HAQ
- How do you discourage your hens from sleeping in the nest boxes? The perch bar raises and blocks entry at night. Also, the nest box is not inside their house. Its about 3 1/2 feet off the ground.

Anything you'd like to add?
 

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