Why should nest boxes be off of the ground?

Then don't raise them. Chickens don't care. People do.

Two reasons I can think of for raising them.

1. You don't have to bend over so far to get the eggs. Especially important to people with a bad back.

2, Chickens scratch a lot. This depends on what your coop looks like and how it is set up, but if they are on the ground it is possible the chickens will scratch messy stuff in there. Not an absolute every time without a shadow of a doubt 100% certainty, but possible.

I can't think of any other reasons. Lots of people have them on the ground. The chicken police will not be coming around to arrest you if you put them there.

 

As long as they have a lip so eggs don't roll out, put 'em on the ground. If it didn't bother me bending over and collecting eggs (hard to see in them if they are covered without getting down on the knees), I would consider it. However, it's much more convenient for me to have them higher.

 

I agree with everyone else. I have a row of 5 on the ground setting on bricks, and they have a second row on top. Everyone has their favorite place!

 

You elevate your nest boxes for your convenience. You do not want to be pawing around on the floor looking for eggs in litter boxes or possibly maybe you do. It is all a matter of personal choice and breed of bird some birds find it hard to reach an elevated nest box.

 

I just finished my new poop board/nest boxes getting ready for my rebuild..I made mine close to the floor, only because I have heavy birds and find they don't like jumping to high, wanted to lower my poop board roost..Yes I'll have to bend over to get eggs, but no big deal,,I can always raise it up prior to installation if I think it's to low..anyhow here's a pic

 

one good reason is black snakes they are bad in ok up to 8 ft long the higher the nest box the safer i had a 8 ft eat a 4 month welsummer let my bull terrier kill it.

 

Snakes, rats and other egg eaters.

Riki

 

Ours are on the floor and they are fine, no problems.