Would these be okay nesting boxes??

[jeaucamom]

Imagine these backed up to a wall with a drop door so I could slide these out to get the eggs (like the one on the right. And I planned to cut out the front of the basket for a little door and fill with hay. Way inexpensive materials, so I thought if it could work that would be great. Any input???? Thanks, Suz

 

[TxChiknRanchers]

IMHO -IF there is no cover there is a good chance someone will roost on the sides and make a mess in them. A cover with enough pitch so as to make it difficult to roost on top would make great nest boxes.

 

[jeaucamom]

Yes, of course, a pitched roof. I'd seen those on other pics but had forgotten. Will definitely do that!!! And silly newbie question... what does IMHO mean. Wow, really showing my age and computer literacy here.

Suz

 

[kstaven]

IMHO = in my honest opinion.

 

[SeaChick]

I would also suggest trying to figure a way to better secure that perch in front. Our girls, at least, do not like jumping up on something wobbly, as that looks to be.

 

[speckledhen]

Secure them well so they don't tip over. Mine nest in several types, some open topped.

 

[Aun <HIS><]

I wonder how well they will pull out and push back when hay/straw/shavings/poo fall out around and under the basket. I would be concerned that it would be too much to keep it all cleared out.

 

[jeaucamom]

Great Suggestions. You guys and gals are such wealth of info and share it so freely it is wonderful!!!!

Yes that perch will be completely secure. I just set it up on some saw horses in the garage to try and brainstorm before I put it in the coop. The boxes completeley pull out from the back so I can scrub the runners and the boxes.

and Kstaven, thank you for the definition. My daughter loves to giggle at my ignorance, but even she didn't get that one. You learn something new every day

Now.............One last question.... Would I put the nest boxes in now when my chicks are only 6-8 weeks old, or do I wait until closer to laying time????? Would they get used to sleeping in them and then not lay their eggs in them???? Thanks for all your help! Suz

 

[jab91864]

Hi Suz !!!

I think they will work great once they are stable/stationary. I have an assortment of nest boxes from boxes built on the wall to buckets on their sides to a couple milk crates.

You just never know what a hen will take a fancy too !! And plastic cleans so much easier than wood !!!!

If it were me I'd put them in the coop soon as they're ready that way it's not a big change for the gals when it's time for them to start laying. I find golf balls in the nest boxes seem to work great for letting them know where they should lay!!!

Glad to see you found your way here !!! I got your d-mail

Julie

 

[Dawn419]

Personally, I waited on placing the nest boxes in our coops until they were 17 and a half weeks old. This way, they still had time to get used to seeing them and they didn't use them for roosting in. There's really no set rule on this one...

Dawn