Vegetable crate as nest box?

[aim0474]

That is a great idea, thanks! I will be starting on the new coop this weekend since I have 4 babies who will be ready to move in about 3 weeks. I want to get as much done as I can while the weather is still nice.

 

[aim0474]

How much room do they need in front of the lip? I am trying to decide how to place these. My coop is only 29" wide due to space constraints. I am thinking if I put 2 on 1 side wall, they would have plenty of space in front of the nesting box. If I put them along te back wall, it only gives them about 13" in front of the boxes. But I could fit 4 if needed instead of just 2.

 

[aart]

How much room do they need in front of the lip? I am trying to decide how to place these. My coop is only 29" wide due to space constraints. I am thinking if I put 2 on 1 side wall, they would have plenty of space in front of the nesting box. If I put them along te back wall, it only gives them about 13" in front of the boxes. But I could fit 4 if needed instead of just 2.

29" wide coop?!?!
How long is coop?

Small coop, few birds, only need one nest.

 

[aim0474]

8 feet long. Plus they have 15 feet of run on one side and I am addkng another 60 feet.onnthe other, with access to the compost bin so they can scratch and peck.

It is narrow, but long.

 

[aart]

8 feet long. Plus they have 15 feet of run on one side and I am addkng another 60 feet.onnthe other, with access to the compost bin so they can scratch and peck.

It is narrow, but long.

Narrow makes it hard to get stuff in there, even 4 feet is tight........and ~20 sqft might get crowded come winter.

 

[aim0474]

Luckily when I built the original run, I put it along the fence between the greenhouse and the fence line. It has clear roof panels to allow sun and because of the design, the water runs away and nothing inside gets wet. It also has clear roof panels on the bottom 2/3 of all sides. That was designed from keeping the dogs from scratching at the wire, but it also keeps it dry and warm and has plenty of ventilation. They also have a large dust bath area in there. So it really is an extension of the coop. the additional run I am putting in wont be as protected.

The room I have is what it is. I cant change it. So I am going to make the best of what I have for them.

 

[Edward Charette]

I like your idea. I guess you may not have to build from the scratch instead go ahead with your present plan. Why spend money if you can get your thing done with vegetable crate? Good way of repurposing crates. On similar lines, I saw an article on reusing wooden crates for diffferent purposes http://www.gorillabins.ca/blog/creative-ways-to-recycle-old-wooden-crates/ .