For the best egg providing environment, you have to think about setting up a nesting box for your birds, while you are looking through various chicken coop building plans. On this page we’re going to discover tips on how to choose the right nesting box while building chicken coops.
It’s important that you realize just how vital it is to have a nesting box, so that there’s a specific place for your hens to lay eggs, and not all over the place. To make certain that doesn’t happen, get a nesting box inside.
As far as the size, you could have one that can hold several hens and not just one. The most optimal size is 12×12x12. Why a single nesting box is enough for several chickens? As each and every hen is not going to lay at the same time, one box is sufficient for 3 hens. Inadequate space will make the breeding box to overcrowded and thus lead to chicken fights and smashed eggs.
Make sure that it’s elevated. Having your nesting box elevated from the floor, keeps the chickens safer from predators. Do not place it too low. And if you have a perch, set it higher above the nest box.
Having an elevated top for your nesting box will prevent the flock from staying on it. When you have no sloped top, you will find chickens laying eggs on top of the nest boxes which rules out benefits of having it.
As far as the materials to use you can find stuff around your house, like wooden drawers, packaging materials, and other wooden objects, so you don’t have to spend money and can build it yourself. One point to be aware while building a nesting box is to use durable materials as they last for years.
Keep in mind the location where you place the nesting box, as all birds, chickens love to lay eggs in dark, cozy corners of the coop. Make sure you have easy access to collect the eggs, because it’s hard to get them from a nesting box. The best elevation for placing the nest is in between 18 to 24 inches above the ground, which will also help to make collecting the eggs easier for you.
Be sure to clean the nesting box on a regular basis, as you would your own house. Using cardboard inside the box is good, as the cardboard can be replaced frequently.
Use these tips to help you find a great nesting box as you start building hen houses.
Use these tips to help you find a perfect nesting box as you start building chicken coops, and get more ideas on choosing from a variety of chicken coop building plans.
