Plastic lidded nesting boxes- help please

[prncssprplfrog]

A while ago I read somewhere on there that people were using these plastic lidded ( think) boxes that they found somewhere- like Target, Joann's, Ikea or something..... I was trying to find a few for my girls (who still haven't started laying yet).

The boxes had a large u shaped opening in the front almost like a stackable utility bin. Any help or other suggestions would greatly be appreciated. Most of my girls are bantams, but I have two reg. sized partridge Cochins. The nesting boxes that my friend's father built onto the side of my coop are way too small for them- and they leak!

 

[elmo]

Was this what you were thinking of?

http://www.homzproducts.com/products/productdetails.aspx?pId=55

They don't sell them at Target anymore. I wish I'd picked up more than two when they were available. I like them, and I wish I could have a couple of spares.

 

[PandoraTaylor]

Try Walmart....
Or a second hand store to find inexpensive storage containers. there are many different styles and sizes. I have even seen 3 & 5 Buckets used.

Edited to add link:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8282893

 

[Zahboo]

Quote:
I bought that EXACT tote from Ollies, a little store that just popped up here that is similar to biglots for $5. It's a little small in my opinion for my big girls. The meat mix girl I have is too big to get in there and my cochins look scrunched. It works great for my bantams and the smaller standards.

 

[prncssprplfrog]

Those are the ones I was thinking of. I have an Ollies here & will check there. Thanks ladies!

 

[RAREROO]

Quote:
Those are cool, I've never seen those before.

Is that what you are looking for prncssprplfrog, when I read your orginal post I was thinking of something like what I have which I was originally supposed to be used as an indoor cat litter box is what they are sold as a Walmart, but it is a large two pic, plastic container with the U shaped hole in the top, my EE hens are using it now. But what I am going to do, and what I think would be cheaper for you too, is to just get a plastic, stackable storage bin and cut a whole in it. I have 10 hens per hen and they all try to use the same nestbox with the 4 nestboxes they have availble to them, so I'll just get a bin large enough to hold 2 at the time if they wanted to.

 

[prncssprplfrog]

Did you know that the easiest way to cut a hole in those is with a wood burner- so actually you are burning a hole or line in it....

 

[Zahboo]

Ollies has tons of things I use in my coops. Storage containers to hold my feed, nest boxes and they are cheap. I love them.

My most popular nest box is made out of OSB just a box with an open front except a few inches at the bottom. I wish I had a picture. IF I can find my camera I'll get some on here of a chicken in it. I like the storage tote because the lid is removable; great for spying on a broody, cleaning, but they are also stackable (if stacking I suggest bolting them together and to the wall, but thats just me)

 

[fldiver97]

You can also use a hooded cat litter box or take a regular rubbermaid container and cut the opening yourself.

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

We use plastic totes in most all our pens. Bought cheap plastic totes at wally world and cut a 8 inch diameter hole in one end. The girls just love them because it gives them more privacy and protection.