I am not really sure why I want to try this but I was thinking of using a 5 gallon bucket for a nesting box. So, a 5 gallon bucket, or at least most of them, have a ridge (for lack of a better word) a few inches or so from the top around the diameter of the outside wall of the bucket. So, my idea was to cut a round hole in the wall of the coop the diameter of the bucket. Then you could slide the bucket bottom first into the hole up to this ridge where it would naturally stop. This would leave a 2-4 inches of the bucket inside the coop. The remainder of the bucket would protrude outside the coop. The part inside the coop would be the opening of the bucket where the lid would normally be. That would be the entrance for the hen. You could also cut you a piece of plywood or other wood for a lip to keep nesting material inside. You would just cut it a couple of inches high and the shape of the bottom of the entrance so that it fit just inside the bottom of the opening and then screw through the side of the bucket into the wood to hold it. I think the bucket would be stable but if not I can think of a couple of ways to secure it better such as screwing the ridge to the coop wall where it meets or something along those lines. You could even cut a access door into the bottom of the bucket which is on the outside of the coop and make you a little access door to gather eggs without having to go in the coop if you desired. I hope I have explained it well enough to understand what I mean. I cannot post a picture since I do not have it built.
So, I know it will work as far as construction. What I am concerned about is if it will be enough room for a good nesting box. I know it is deep enough. However the diameter of a 5 gallon bucket is about 12 inches. So, that means the height would be 12 inches as well as the width would be 12 inches at its highest and widest points and a little less than 12 inches at its lowest since it is a circle.
So, my hens are EE's, Rhode Island Reds, and Barred Plymouth Rock. My question: Is a 5 gallon bucket turned on its side big enough? The 5 gallon bucket is about 12 inches in diameter and about 12 to 14 inches deep.
It also just came to mind that I believe 6 gallons buckets are also common.....I think. And, if so, then a 6 gallon would offer more room. Of course, if the extra on the 6 gallon is in depth and not diameter then that may not help. I guess I would have to find a 6 gallon bucket to see.
So, I know it will work as far as construction. What I am concerned about is if it will be enough room for a good nesting box. I know it is deep enough. However the diameter of a 5 gallon bucket is about 12 inches. So, that means the height would be 12 inches as well as the width would be 12 inches at its highest and widest points and a little less than 12 inches at its lowest since it is a circle.
So, my hens are EE's, Rhode Island Reds, and Barred Plymouth Rock. My question: Is a 5 gallon bucket turned on its side big enough? The 5 gallon bucket is about 12 inches in diameter and about 12 to 14 inches deep.
It also just came to mind that I believe 6 gallons buckets are also common.....I think. And, if so, then a 6 gallon would offer more room. Of course, if the extra on the 6 gallon is in depth and not diameter then that may not help. I guess I would have to find a 6 gallon bucket to see.
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