5Gal Nest from the outside

[Gategitter]

So I’m trying to save space in a new coop that will only be 4’ wide. Wondered about cutting a hole inside and put the buckets through from the inside out. Bracing the bucket on the outside so it won’t pull/droop. Like a nest box built on the side but buckets instead of boxes. Wondered if anyone has ever done this. TIA !!! Pics would be helpful lol.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I've never done that but I could see how it could work. I think you'd have to gather the eggs from inside the coop, not the outside. I have a couple of possible concerns.

How predator proof is that coop and the area it is in? Are you going to create a weak spot where a fox, dog, or raccoon can get inside?

What is your weather like? Can you build it to keep rain or other weather out of the coop and nest?

I don't know either of these are a showstopper or not, just something to consider.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes, how would you collect eggs? It's an interesting concept.

 

[Penpal]

I love the idea. But, as others wrote, with a 4 foot wide space inside, you would want to collect the eggs from the outside. This is where you need a plan.

 

[perkolator]

Sounds like an odd choice for a nest to me, but my first though is to put the bucket top on the exterior, with a Gamma seal lid; cut hole in bottom for chicken to enter from inside coop.

Dunno what your coop setup is but mine is 5ft wide with a 3-stall 4ft wide nest box insert underneath the coop; there's no issue with space and nothing protruding to the exterior.

 

[Gategitter]

I've never done that but I could see how it could work. I think you'd have to gather the eggs from inside the coop, not the outside. I have a couple of possible concerns.

How predator proof is that coop and the area it is in? Are you going to create a weak spot where a fox, dog, or raccoon can get inside?

What is your weather like? Can you build it to keep rain or other weather out of the coop and nest?

I don't know either of these are a showstopper or not, just something to consider.

All really good point. Ya will gather from the inside. Plan to ‘enclose’ and brace from the outside mostly so they arnt to heavy and droop. Sealing with something waterproof from the outside And ya it’s cold in the winter here (panhandle of Texas) so possibly will need to insulate in the outside covering part.

 

[Gategitter]

I will be collecting from the inside. After having finally seen the inside of the container I bought I’m pretty sure I would not have much space if I put them on the inside. Especially with their roost too. I want them to have plenty of room in case they have to be inside for a bit due to weather and such. I saw a TikTok on these and it looked very promising.

 

[Gategitter]

These are NOT my photos. Screenshot from TikTok. I hope it’s legal to share.

 

[tlcmurphy]

Is it a walk in coop? Mine is 4’X4’ and my arms are only long enough to collect eggs from the box closest to the opening (the boxes open from the back),