where to put nest boxes

[mom wewantchicks!]

do they have to be up off the floor? or on the floor of the coop? mounted up on the wall? if they are mounted on a wall, how far up? my chicks are not ready to use them yet but i was just wanting to be prepared!

 

[Mrs MIA]

Do a search for "nest boxes"... there's a lot of threads started on that subject.

 

[GallowayFarms]

you want them off the floor a bit to keep them clean, and to help keep mice and such out of them.

Mine are about 18" off the floor. I don't know if there is really a set height. You want them high enough to be able to clean under them and not make a place for mice to hide etc.

most laying hens can jump up to get on things like that.

Good Luck

Nick

 

[NuthatchKnollChickens]

Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens (a great all-around resource) says to start the nest boxes on the floor until the pullets get used to using them, then mount them firmly on the wall 18-20 inches off the floor.