Is there a downside to roll out style nesting boxes?

[LaurelC]

I am in the planning stages of replacing the hacked together temporary nesting boxes in our cool with something a little better designed, attractive, and permanent. I have read about the roll out style boxes and it seems like a great design. Is there any reason to use a more traditional design besides it being easier to build?

 

[redsix]

I'm planning to build removable nests that I can hang on the wall. I want to go with sets of 2, one above the other and slope the top so that the chickens won't roost on it.

 

[thomasboyle]

I think the main issue with rolling nesting boxes is the complexity of construction. You will need heavy duty drawer hardware to support the weight of the nesting boxes. If you do build them, take pictures along the way. I built nesting boxes with a door on the back, but I find it quicker and easier to just go in and grab the eggs from the front.

 

[yellowchicks]

Roll out style nesting box requires extra depth to make the slope so the eggs can roll to the back, it is also harder to build to get the right slope. Careful design and planning are necessary.
We built a roll-out nest box as a preventive measure for egg eaters, we do not have that problem actually. Our design is extremely easy to clean, hens have no problem laying eggs on a golf mat on a slope. Egg collection has been a fun conversational piece though, especially for the neighborhood kids. They love to see how it's work and ask a lot of questions.

 

[LaurelC]

Roll out style nesting box requires extra depth to make the slope so the eggs can roll to the back, it is also harder to build to get the right slope. Careful design and planning are necessary.
We built a roll-out nest box as a preventive measure for egg eaters, we do not have that problem actually. Our design is extremely easy to clean, hens have no problem laying eggs on a golf mat on a slope. Egg collection has been a fun conversational piece though, especially for the neighborhood kids. They love to see how it's work and ask a lot of questions.

Thanks for this. That was what I was thinking. Glad to hear that there aren't too many downsides. Also building as a preventative to egg eaters, and also to allow me to go a couple of days between collecting eggs if necessary.

Do you have photos of yours by chance?

 

[MrStop]

Roll out style nesting box requires extra depth to make the slope so the eggs can roll to the back, it is also harder to build to get the right slope. Careful design and planning are necessary.
We built a roll-out nest box as a preventive measure for egg eaters, we do not have that problem actually. Our design is extremely easy to clean, hens have no problem laying eggs on a golf mat on a slope. Egg collection has been a fun conversational piece though, especially for the neighborhood kids. They love to see how it's work and ask a lot of questions.

Thanks for this. That was what I was thinking. Glad to hear that there aren't too many downsides. Also building as a preventative to egg eaters, and also to allow me to go a couple of days between collecting eggs if necessary.

Do you have photos of yours by chance?

I have designed what I think may be the solution to a shorter depth roll-out style egg box. I posted my design here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ngenous-design-post-it-here/470#post_15488545

 

[yellowchicks]

Quote: It is true that the roll-out nest box allows us to skip daily egg collection if we were away.

Pictures are here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ngenous-design-post-it-here/400#post_14153924