Wood vs. plastic for nest boxes?

[Kellow1]

I use wooden boxes for nests but have a plastic bath mat liner that looks like (clear) astroTurf inside. I found this in the bath department of WM, cut it in half and it fits perfectly in two boxes. Easy to remove and clean, and I don't have to wet the wooden boxes.

 

[HAPPYCHICKENLADY17]

i use wood.....

Please note the boards across have the lip of the dish pan resting on them. That is to prevent accidental tipping. A nice thing is I can pull the dish pan out even with a grumpy broody hen in it.

View attachment 1989973

Just basic plastic dish pans in there.

https://www.target.com/p/dishpan-12qt-room-essentials-8482/-/A-14758429?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Kitchen+Shopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Kitchen&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=t&location=1014573&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0-jW07vb5gIVUb7ACh2YmQeEEAQYAiABEgJz3vD_BwE

i use wood...i have 3 inside coop and 4 outside coop THEY LIKE THE OUTSIDE ONES,,,they can see what is going on outside....so they dont miss any treats

 

[RobynNicole]

I've always used plastic bins. Plain ole litter box pans to be honest. Easy clean up and cheap to replace when needed. This has been my go-to for going on 10 years.

 

[nnumb3rulz]

I had kitty liter pales for nest with coconut mats and they were only using 1 and leaving eggs everywhere. I built 2 12"x12" wood boxes and lined them with the same coconut mats. Problem solved. They dont crap in the nest so you really dont need to clean it much.

 

[RoosterML]

Our chickens just started laying a few weeks ago. We have a combination of wooden boxes (4x) and two plastic litter boxes. The litter boxes are uncovered. So far the ladies prefer the litter boxes. We originally got the litter boxes for our ducks. But they haven’t started laying yet... I’ll keep you posted.

(We use diatomaceous earth to ward off mites. We haven’t had problems yet, but our coop is only 4 months old.)

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I would work on securing your heat lamp better. Just an idea. That wire your hooked to is not the greatest.

 

[Manhen]

THEY LIKE THE OUTSIDE ONES,,,they can see what is going on outside....so they dont miss any treats

I have two nests outside on the bird's lenai, and the rest (13) inside. Only a few get laid outside. But it is winter....

 

[martins show birds]

I use old forty five gallon steel drums from the sawmill next door and a homemade wood nest box. Hope you find what your looking for....

 

[AstraChick]

@HollyWoozle Great Post Given me some ideas.
We have wooden nest boxes and the bottoms need to be replaced, will now line the new bottoms with vinyl.
We use hay in the nests and i always use to catch the girls sitting in the nests trying to cover themselves in the hay.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Loving all these replies, thanks guys and gals! And thank you @AstraChick

I use chopped straw bedding in the boxes but might try some hay, since we have bales for the horses anyway. Once I've decided on the type of liner of course. Lots of ideas now!

 

[Manhen]

Loving all these replies, thanks guys and gals! And thank you @AstraChick

I use chopped straw bedding in the boxes but might try some hay, since we have bales for the horses anyway. Once I've decided on the type of liner of course. Lots of ideas now!

How do you chop your straw?