Wood vs. plastic for nest boxes?

[igorsMistress]

I used plastic boxes first. Very easy to clean, mine hung on the wall in the coop. The girls used them fine but they didn't allow enough ventilation in my climate. We switched to a single wood frame, no bottom, with lattice dividers they can actually make a nest in. Much better.
FWIW I treat my coop every Spring and Fall with permethrine to prevent mites. I also whitewash the interior which helps a ton and is non toxic to your birds and other animals.

 

[Galeann]

I just thought of a few reasons why I prefer plastic bins as nests. I use stackable plastic bins that are about 16 inches long by 8 inches high by 8 inches wide. They have low fronts low enough for chicks to come and go even while they're very small. I set them side by side in the nesting cubbie area. I put a few handfuls of pine shavings in each one. The plastic is easy to clean. If a hen is feeling broody and moody while sitting in the nest when I have come to collect her eggs, I come from behind her through the outside nest area door, tip the plastic bin forward to make her move so I can collect the eggs without risk of getting pecked.

 

[aart]

Milk crates, with plywood floors, and an anti-poop roof, screwed to the wall.

@svh ....cool looking.
These need 4-6" fronts on them, to hold bedding and egg inside....
.....and maybe perches in front to fly up to.

 

[svh]

@svh ....cool looking.
These need 4-6" fronts on them, to hold bedding and egg inside....
.....and maybe perches in front to fly up to.

YES, as a matter of fact, that is on my list of chores for today ! I've realized that after replacing the bedding daily, and pickin up eggs from the floor ! The perch idea is a good one too ! Thanks.

 

[Kellow1]

@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.

Hay is for feed, straw is for bedding!

 

[Njbchick]

When I built my new coop, I went with the plastic nest boxes. In the old coop, I had painted, wood boxes that my husband and I made. I used nest box liners which helped when there was a broken eggs. I like the plastic better because they are so easy to clean. I just remove them from the wall and hose them off and hang them back up. I have a plastic liners in side the boxes that is also very easy to clean.

 

[AstraChick]

Hay is for feed, straw is for bedding!

we buy hay direct from the farmers, so much cheaper than buying straw from the hardware/feed store!
there are also different types of hay, depending on what animals you keep on your property

 

[Adrisducks]

i use wood.....

i use wood...i have 3 inside coop and 4 outside coopView attachment 1990237 View attachment 1990238THEY LIKE THE OUTSIDE ONES,,,they can see what is going on outside....so they dont miss any treats

Wow they are both beautiful set ups. I had to comment because your flock sounds awesome for the fact they like the one they can see what's going on outside so they don't miss treats. I would love that. Mine are a bit thick where I have to bring them treats while they're in their nesting boxes or they'd never get any because everyone's head is tucked under another chickens wing/butt/chest. They notice nothing

 

[HAPPYCHICKENLADY17]

Wow they are both beautiful set ups. I had to comment because your flock sounds awesome for the fact they like the one they can see what's going on outside so they don't miss treats. I would love that. Mine are a bit thick where I have to bring them treats while they're in their nesting boxes or they'd never get any because everyone's head is tucked under another chickens wing/butt/chest. They notice nothing

i also try to give treats when everyone is out and about...so they dont miss out...hahaha

 

[Motherof4Girls]

I use cardboard to line my wood nesting boxes. Just lift out and compost with the nesting materials when you change the nesting box! So easy.