errantember

The very first day after moving my new nesting box from the floor of the coop to the wall, the chickens figured it out! Go chickens!

More pics behind the cut!

I made this out of recycled materials, except for the screws. The two hinges are snap-tensioned ones from a cabinet, which make it pretty hard to open without human strength and leverage. There isn't a latch, but I don't really think it needs one. If any chickens disappear, I may change my mind. :)

The nesting box has four hooks cut out of the front (diagram coming soon!) and hangs on two rails to make it stable, but easy to remove. You simply lift up on the box and slide it out. Having this box is an upgrade on several levels. It increases the floor space in the coop, which is already at a premium. It moves the nesting box out of the exit path, to prevent laying hens from getting stepped on during the daily exodus. It keeps eggs off the ground and away from poop, which helps keep them clean. It makes it much easier to get the eggs, since you can simply open the door and grab them instead of having to go inside the coop itself. Finally, since it's modular, it will be easy too move to the new coop when I get done creating it.

Box Closed: