woods coop interior pictures

[Adela Farm]

Currently in the process of building a 6 x 10 Woods. Do you access your nest boxes from the interior or exterior?

I access mine from the inside.

 

[MiaS]

I access mine from the inside.

So then you have to walk across your litter to get your eggs. Have you found any drawbacks to that? Just trying to decide if I will create a traditional off the side outdoor hatch or just do them beside the access door in my coop...I do wonder if the eggs would be less likely to freeze in cold weather if they were inside the coop?

 

[cavemanrich]

Just trying to decide if I will create a traditional off the side outdoor hatch or just do them beside the access door in my coop...I do wonder if the eggs would be less likely to freeze in cold weather if they were inside the coop?

Just my added thought here; Eggs in an outdoor nesting hatch would most certainly be subjected to more cold , resulting in more frozen eggs during winter.
I don't have the exact temp differences,(unless I would search previous posts) but have read such, that it is somewhat warmer inside a Woods coop, than outdoors during winter.
Also take into consideration that not ALL chickens will lay their eggs in nesting boxes. Some will lay in poop trays, and some in their own nests made in the floor litter. Besides that ,,,,,,, most peeps go inside their coops to check feed and water daily.(most)

 

[aart]

I don't have the exact temp differences,(unless I would search previous posts) but have read such, that it is somewhat warmer inside a Woods coop, than outdoors during winter.

Eh...I don't think so.
But exterior nests might still be quicker to freeze,
and are exposed to getting wet if not well built.

Having an exterior access door in wall of coop might be fine,
again.....if it is protected from getting wet inside.

 

[Adela Farm]

I do have to walk across the litter to get eggs but it doesn't seem to be an issue. I have "chicken shoes" that are just for tending to the birds and are left outside so no worries about tracking poo in the house. I was considering external boxes but it just didn't fit with my layout for the run and roosts. It is indeed warmer inside the coop during the winter than out and have not had a problem with eggs freezing. I switch out my normal waterer for a heated nipple waterer when the temps go below 20° or so.

 

[Ghosty]

You will need to check for eggs in the coop anyway. Having exterior nest boxes only makes sense to me if you have a coop that isn't walk in, or there is limited space in the coop. I just use big purina feed buckets, as I don't really feel like making wooden nest boxes. Anything removable and easily cleanable is a plus to me. I find busted softshell and good eggs in my nests once in awhile, and I can just hose out my buckets. My coop is 15' x 16' and stays so clean I don't really risk stepping in poop. There is a much higher risk of that in the yard and on the sidewalks and deck, lol.

 

[cavemanrich]

It is indeed warmer inside the coop during the winter than out and have not had a problem with eggs freezing. I switch out my normal waterer for a heated nipple waterer when the temps go below 20° or so.

You are of course not the only person to state that. I don't have a Woods Coop, but have read many post from peeps that do. The sun shining on the coop must have an affect on the coop's interior. A Woods coop is well ventilated, but that does not mean that all air is removed from interior continuously. (like a draft would and fast) The coops materials (wood,etc.) absorb the radiant energy from the sun.

 

[Adela Farm]

You are of course not the only person to state that. I don't have a Woods Coop, but have read many post from peeps that do. The sun shining on the coop must have an affect on the coop's interior. A Woods coop is well ventilated, but that does not mean that all air is removed from interior continuously. (like a draft would and fast) The coops materials (wood,etc.) absorb the radiant energy from the sun.

Absolutely! Dark roof that is not insulated and south facing upper windows let in a decent amount of light and heat. Despite the front being open it is never windy or drafty inside. I'm not an expert but I would imagine the birds and the decomposing deep litter contributes some heat as well.

 

[aart]

It is indeed warmer inside the coop during the winter than out and have not had a problem with eggs freezing.

Curious, how much warmer?

 

[Adela Farm]

Curious, how much warmer?

I never checked with a thermometer but even when it was below freezing there were no frozen eggs and the water remained liquid unless it got below 20 or so. I would estimate that it was about ten degrees warmer by that evidence. I'll have to conduct an experiment next winter. Would be a good lesson for the boys