How to develop The Best Nest Box
Birds are fascinating creatures known for their exquisite beauty, mesmerizing songs, and graceful flight. Providing a safe and comfortable nesting environment for our avian companions is a fulfilling and rewarding endeavor.
Nest boxes, also known as birdhouses, play a crucial role in supporting bird populations, offering shelter, protection, and a space for raising their young. However, with a wide array of nest boxes available, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. In this article, we will delve into the world of nest boxes and explore the key features that make them exceptional, helping you make an informed decision for your feathered friends.
Simplified Nest Box Basics
When it comes to nesting boxes, hens have a few fundamental needs. It's ideal to provide one box for every three to five hens. They usually take around 30 minutes to settle on the nest and lay an egg for the day. If all the boxes are occupied, most hens will patiently wait their turn.
Hens prefer a nesting area that is dark and hidden from predators. However, it's important to prevent them from roosting directly above the nest box because they tend to defecate in it at night, resulting in eggs covered in manure the next day.
Each nest box should be spacious enough for the hen to sit comfortably, while still providing a cozy environment.
A 12-by-12-inch cube that remains open on the side facing the coop is a suitable size. To create such a box, you'll need to construct the side walls, floor, and ceiling, while the back wall can serve as the hatch door.
For larger breeds, you may consider increasing the size to 14 inches, while for bantams, a smaller size of 8 inches may suffice. However, many people successfully accommodate a variety of hens by building all their nest boxes as 12-inch cubes.
Installing a nest box on the outside of the chicken coop has a few advantages. Firstly, it creates a dark space during the day, which is ideal for hens when they lay eggs.
By placing the nest box on an outer wall instead of under the roosts, it ensures that it doesn't interfere with their resting area. Additionally, having the nest box on the exterior makes it more convenient for hen keepers, as there's no need to enter the pen or coop to collect eggs.
This innovation saves time and prevents the hassle of stepping in chicken poop while going back inside the house to prepare an omelet.
Sometimes, hens may require some encouragement to lay eggs in a specific spot, even if it's a well-designed nest box. Placing a ceramic or plastic Easter egg, or even a golf ball, inside the nest boxes can trick the hens into thinking that another hen has already chosen that spot as a safe place to lay eggs. Chickens tend to follow the leader, so sometimes you need to take on that role.
Important construction thoughts
When considering the construction of our own coop, we researched various coop designs by attending coop tours and referring to books and websites. Most of the constructions with exterior-mounted nest boxes had hinged roofs, resembling toolboxes, to provide access.
However, we came across a unique approach where the hinges were placed on the wall of the nest box, similar to a breadbox. I referred to this type of hinged wall as a hatch, which proved beneficial for accessibility, especially for kids and shorter hen keepers.
Moreover, it created a flat surface on which to place an egg carton while gathering eggs with both hands, and it facilitated easier cleanup. With the hatch hanging down, we could simply sweep away the used bedding from the nest boxes.
As an additional time-saving measure, we hung a whiskbroom on a small hook near the nest box, under the eaves. This kept the whiskbroom dry but readily available whenever we needed to clean out the nest box.
Our nest box is made from scrap plywood and planks at least three-quarters of an inch thick. You can use thicker wood, such as 2-by-4s, but I wouldn't recommend going any thinner. That much wood is required to prevent twisting as the wood dries and to allow you to screw through the edge of the wood.
When you're prepared to start constructing the box, keep in mind that screws are more effective than nails in providing stability. Moreover, if you ever need to relocate the coop or desire to improve the nest box, screws allow you to disassemble it without causing damage. Begin by marking the first piece of wood for the box with a pencil to indicate where the screw will be placed.
Then, pre-drill a hole that is either the same size as or slightly smaller than the screw's threads. The screw should fit snugly through the first piece of wood and firmly attach to the second piece.
The roof
Regarding the roof, since the nest box extends from the coop's wall, it requires its own waterproof covering. In my case, I used a shiny, red piece of scrap metal for our nest box roof. However, there are other roofing options that can be used, such as asphalt shingles, cedar shingles, old license plates, and flat roofing.
10 cans, or even a miniature green roof. I suggest considering the nest box roof as a small-scale yet highly visible opportunity to adorn the coop and give it some character and appeal.
The Bolts and Hinges
Our nest box hatch has hinges at the bottom and latches on the sides. You could use hardware store gate hinges that are designed for outdoor use and will not rust. I saved money by making three "country" hinges out of scrap copper and brass screws (other screws may cause copper to corrode).
Pre-drill a hole in the metal that is wider than the screw threads with scrap sheet metal of any kind. Then, mark and pre-drill a hole in the wood that is only as wide as the screw's shaft to ensure that everything fits snugly. These "hinges" don't move as smoothly as a gate hinge, but they're less expensive and work just fine.
The Fasteners
The fasteners on your hatch must be strong enough to deter raccoons while not being too inconvenient for hen keepers. Some people have used padlocks, but I believe carabineers are difficult enough to keep raccoons out (or so I hope).
Spring-loaded latches like those found on dog leashes are also simple to use, but some claim they are not raccoon-proof. So it's up to you to decide how much risk you're willing to accept in exchange for convenience.
The carabineers attached to our nest box ensure that the hatch is tightly secured when closed, minimizing the entry of drafts. It may be helpful to have someone assist you in attaching the hasps.
One person can hold the hatch in place while another positions the hasp at a convenient spot. Use a pencil to mark the screw locations and pre-drill the holes with a drill bit that matches the thickness of the screw shaft. This will allow the screw to easily pass through the holes in the hasp and firmly grip the wood with its threads.
Support Arms for the Hatch
To create a counter-like surface with the hatch, you'll need a wooden support arm that can swing out from under the nest box. I used leftover pieces of lumber measuring 2 by 2 inches, but any dimension will work.
I cut the pieces to approximately 10 inches in length and added a 45-degree bevel on each end for a more polished appearance. You can use a circular saw for quick cuts, a table saw for precise cuts, a jigsaw for quiet operation, or a handsaw for a more physically demanding approach.
First, create a hole in each arm that is slightly wider than the screw threads. Ensure that the chosen screw is not too long, as it should not protrude through the floor of the nest box.
Insert the screw through the support arm and tighten it into the floor of the nest box, making sure it allows the arm to rotate freely. When the arm is stored away, it should align with the hatch and be flush when closed.
To open the hatch, swing the arm out at a 90-degree angle, remove the carabiners, release the hasps, and gently lower the hatch onto the support arms.
The hatch serves the purpose of protecting our hens from drafts and predators. It also provides convenient access and clear visibility for collecting eggs or cleaning the nest boxes in the coop.
To add the finishing touch, we adorned the hatch of the nest box with a decorative drawer pull featuring a confident rooster. Although it serves a purely ornamental purpose, as it requires two hands to unlock the hasps and open the hatch, it aligns with one of our design objectives: it's charming.
List of equipment:
Measuring tape
4-by-4-foot sheet of 3/4-inch plywood
Carpenter's square
2- to 4-foot-long level
Marker
Jigsaw
Drill with various bits
Screwdriver
1 box of 1 5/8-inch exterior grade screws
1 pair of 4-inch hinges
Pencil
1 pair of 2 ½-inch latches
2-by-2-inch scrap piece of wood, approximately 10 inches long
Two 2-inch long screws for the support arm pivot
Six 3-inch exterior grade screws
One piece of rolled asphalt roofing, measuring 26 inches in length and 15 inches in width
Utility knife
One dozen galvanized roofing nails (1/2-inch or 5/8-inch)
Needle nose pliers
In conclusion,
When it comes to providing a safe and comfortable home for our feathered friends, the nest box is an invaluable tool. With a wide variety of options available, choosing the best nest box requires careful consideration of the specific needs and preferences of the target bird species.
The ideal nest box should be constructed from durable and weather-resistant materials, ensuring longevity and protection against the elements. It should also offer insulation to maintain a stable internal temperature, particularly during extreme weather conditions.
Furthermore, the design of the nest box should take into account the specific requirements of the target bird species. This includes the size and shape of the entrance hole, the internal dimensions, and the presence of features such as perches or predator guards.
By understanding the nesting habits and behaviors of the birds we aim to attract, we can create a more suitable and inviting environment for them.
It is crucial to position the nest box appropriately, considering factors such as height, orientation, and protection from predators. Placing the nest box in a quiet and secluded area, away from human disturbance, will increase the likelihood of attracting nesting birds.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of the nest box are essential for the health and safety of the birds. Monitoring the box during the nesting season allows for early detection of any issues and provides an opportunity to address them promptly.
Ultimately, the best nest box is one that successfully attracts and accommodates the target bird species, providing a secure and comfortable home for nesting and raising their young.
By investing in a well-designed and suitable nest box, we can play a significant role in conserving and supporting our avian friends, while also enjoying the beauty and wonder of their presence in our surroundings.
