Will the nest box be too hot to brood?

[crossgirl]

My DBF has spent a lot of time improving my coops ventilation, making it much more Florida friendly. Finally he installed the nest boxes and now it occurs to me, won't they be hot in there trying to hatch eggs? I'm definately counting before they hatch here as I don't even have any laying yet, but say in the future, they want to raise some biddies, would they even use the box or would they likely go make a nest outdoors somewhere cooler?? I have a barred rock banty and a white frizzle and I'd love to see some frizzled barred babies if that's possible. I'd rather they weren't nesting outdoors though but on the other hand, I don't want them baking. Should a brooding type nest box have ventilation?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I think you will find that a broody will spend different amounts of time off the nest depending on the temperature. I've had them spend a lot of time out with their buddies instead of on the nest when it it pretty hot. Today, I noticed my broody was sort of standing on the nest, exposing a lot of eggs trying to keep them cooler. They do manage.

It does not hurt in hot climates to have ventilated nest boxes, but it should not be necessary unless they are on the sunny side of the coop and really get hot.

 

[crossgirl]

Well that makes me feel a little better. Glad they have the sense to get off! If it started looking like a hen was too hot but not wanting to leave the nest, I could tuck an ice pack in with her couldn't I?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Personally I'd not use ice. I find it best to let a broody regulate the temperature of her eggs without interference from me. Her instincts may not deal with ice real easily.

Don't get me wrong. The nest needs to have ventilation, but the opening she uses to get on and off the nest should be plenty. But also note my comment on the sunny side of the coop. In hot sunny climates, the nest box should not be on the wall that gets hit with direct sunlight. They can get pretty hot, depending in how your walls are constructed.

 

[crossgirl]

Oh good point about the ice. I suppose she could end up abandoning the nest too if something was different. My coop is on wheels so I can turn it so the boxes won't be getting direct sun. I can face them north and south, one on each side. Thanks for pointing out that danger. They are white to deflect the heat but will still probably get pretty hot. Thank goodness for wheels because I don't think I'll be getting anymore coop remodelling out of my guy for a loooooooooooooong time.