Nest box opening

[Eggzacatly]

Hello, Seeking advise on nesting boxes. Currently in the process of building a coop and run combo. I've build the boxes just unsure if I need to make the opening bigger for them to get in. I wanted to have some separation from the coop and the boxes. I will upload photos let me know your thoughts.

Also installed my nesting bars, hoping the layout will give them some roosting options. Coop is 3,x6' total structure is 6x10'



Thanks for input

 

[Kiki]

Is the green arrow pointing to the nest box?

If it is I would cut out the area in red to make the opening larger for sure.


Also it's hard to tell in your photo, but if that is the roost bar above on the right of the photo I drew on, make sure it is at least a foot away from the wall.

 

[Kiki]

One more thing...read this:
Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!

 

[Eggzacatly]

Is the green arrow pointing to the nest box?View attachment 3960263

If it is I would cut out the area in red to make the opening larger for sure.


Also it's hard to tell in your photo, but if that is the roost bar above on the right of the photo I drew on, make sure it is at least a foot away from the wall.

Thank you for the advice, I can't cut into where you drew red as that's the top of the box, however I can cut down the plywood where you drew the green arrow. Or even remove the plywood and just add a 2x4 for some separation.

Why 12" from the wall ? To avoid Poop on the wall ?
Thanks

 

[rosemarythyme]

Why 12" from the wall ? To avoid Poop on the wall ?

Yes, and also heads and tails need somewhere to go.

 

[aart]

Or even remove the plywood and just add a 2x4 for some separation.

Leave 4-6" above nest bedding so bedding and eggs don't get kicked out.

I'd also lower the roosts to just above the nest openings, not much floor space for them to fly down from as high as you have them.

How many birds do you plan on having?

 

[Eggzacatly]

Leave 4-6" above nest bedding so bedding and eggs don't get kicked out.

I'd also lower the roosts to just above the nest openings, not much floor space for them to fly down from as high as you have them.

How many birds do you plan on having?

4 birds,

The roost first roost bar is 21" off the floor and second longer one that runs across the coop is approx 26 inches high. I didn't want them to low. But I can remove the 2x4 spacer block I added to lower the bar down to the same height as the smaller bar, just thought it would give them 2 different height options.

 

[Eggzacatly]

Yes, and also heads and tails need somewhere to go.

I checked I am 13" from the wall thanks

 

[Eggzacatly]

4 birds,

The roost first roost bar is 21" off the floor and second longer one that runs across the coop is approx 26 inches high. I didn't want them to low. But I can remove the 2x4 spacer block I added to lower the bar down to the same height as the smaller bar, just thought it would give them 2 different height options.

 

[NatJ]

Hello, Seeking advise on nesting boxes. Currently in the process of building a coop and run combo. I've build the boxes just unsure if I need to make the opening bigger for them to get in.

How tall is the current opening to the nestbox?
Is this meant for standard sized chickens or for bantams?