Your Favorite Nest Boxes?

[Batzilla]

What are your favorite nest boxes for larger chickens?

I currently have HenHaus boxes, which are great because they are plastic and easy to clean, however, they are not very big and my big Orps are having some issues with them. My boxes are located inside my run.

I am looking for 4-6 boxes total. Easy to clean (no wood) and something I can take out of the run and do a good scrub on when they need it. Just give me your suggestions and I will research, doesn’t matter if they are cheap or pricey.

Thanks!

 

[ChookaPete]

I turned one of my metal storage shelves on its side and screwed it to a wooden pallet.

 

[ChaosMom]

I see you have one of the legendarily fertile Titleist hens!

 

[ChookaPete]

I see you have one of the legendarily fertile Titleist hens!

Hahaha!


Yes the golf balls are to train them to use these new nesting places, given that they usually lay in odd spots all around my house.
As you can see it has been a success!

 

[ChaosMom]

Hahaha!


Yes the golf balls are to train them to use these new nesting places, given that they usually lay in odd spots all around my house.
As you can see it has been a success!

Using a metal shelving unit on its back is so cool. Do you normally have it covered with something, or are the hens OK with it as it appears in your pic?

 

[Ted Brown]

I have rebuilt my nest box four times, the last a"roll-in" that stopped an egg eating problem. Unfortunately, made of wood.

What may be of interest is the use of artificial turf as the liner.

My next box is 7' long with 7 round holes in a face plate & movable partitions. I have a single piece of the turf which I can slide out & in easily. I step outside, give a vigorous shake, use a scraper on any stubborn bits, return and re-insert.

About 18 months I think; the turf is tough, cleans easily; mask encouraged when you shake.

 

[thistlewick]

Wood is fine to use, plastic/steel is COLD and I think about the comfort of my hens. If you want it to be easy to clean just paint it with an enamel paint. Wipes clean.

Big, breezy, homemade nesting boxes that aren't all the same works too;

The yellow ones are particularly good - I have 2 very large ladies a RLBWyandotte and Buff Orpington and they are happy to use them all.

The blue ones are super cheapcheapcheap from Amazon, but I just painted them and they work great. We have another set I'm going to add when my new batch of pullets grow up!

 

[Ted Brown]

@thistlewick

Brilliant! I can see a wall of boxes, one or two with fake flowers.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'll link a couple of old threads that show what others have done. You are only limited by your imagination.

Nest boxes
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/41108/show-us-your-nest-boxes-ingenous-design-post-it-here/220

Nest Boxes
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-your-creative-nesting-boxes/80#post_12395882

 

[sean_wonder]

@thistlewick absolutely adorable pictures. Nothing more cozy than a hen on her nest.

@Batzilla honestly DIY'ing your own nestboxes is the way to go in my opinion. So many free designs are out there and you can get creative with it. :]