What kind of alternative materials for nesting box??

[B-Goock]

They like it darker and private so something between the nests would be good although I had one hen that insisted on making her own nest in the corner of the coop a couple of times out in the wide open. They also have piled up in the favorite nest together before. I have no idea why or how they would lay eggs jammed in one nest like that but they do.

Your mini wash tubs sound a little bit shallow but will probably work fine. I raised the sides of my boxes because they would kick out the nesting material when it was shorter.
Are the wash tubs going to be free standing? If so they might flip them over when they climb up on the edge to get in or out.

Shredded paper with minimum printing on it might work fine. Try it out. I've used paper before.

 

[Brenda8591]

They like it darker and private so something between the nests would be good although I had one hen that insisted on making her own nest in the corner of the coop a couple of times out in the wide open.  They also have piled up in the favorite nest together before.  I have no idea why or how they would lay eggs jammed in one nest like that but they do.

Your mini wash tubs sound a little bit shallow but will probably work fine.  I raised the sides of my boxes because they would kick out the nesting material when it was shorter.
Are the wash tubs going to be free standing?  If so they might flip them over when they climb up on the edge to get in or out.

Shredded paper with minimum printing on it might work fine.  Try it out.  I've used paper before.

Thank you so much for the info, I never thought about the stability of the tubs. That means I get them for my crafting room after all lol. So I get to make some chicken curtains lol, too cute. And I probably should probably make a landing perch I front of the nests, and should probably anchor them somehow easy, I assume I need to wash them out frequently. I've been reading the new chicken owners info from this site, I haven't gotten to box size yet. I'll keep reading. Thanks again, I'm sure I would have been very disappointed to see my first egg cracked on the ground.
You said I could try the paper, how will I know if it's okay? Would it be toxic or something? They are used to the paper as I use it in their temp coop. Their new forever home is being built now.

Thanks again for the great info, I can't believe I didn't think of the tubs falling over.

Brenda

 

[caseyrocksit]

Yes that is a good idea! However ...we dont have a lawn mower or riding lawn mower and so on... its certainly on the list! A very LONG list and closely financially budgeted! But thankyou for the idea")