Roll Away Egg Nest Box Plans: Build Your Chickens the Perfect Home!

As backyard chicken keeping continues to grow in popularity, many are turning to DIY solutions to outfit their coops with everything they need. Of course, one critical component is the nest box, where your hens will lay their daily eggs. If you’re looking for a durable, efficient, and easy-to-use option, you may want to consider a roll away nest box. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making your very own with roll away egg nest box plans.

Materials Needed

To get started, you’ll need a few key materials:

– Wood: You can purchase or recycle wood for this project
– Screws: You will need screws to join pieces of wood
– Hinges: You will need hinges to attach the rollaway flap
– Saw: To cut the wood to the correct size
– Drill: To make necessary holes

Measurements and Cutting the Wood

The first step in building your roll away nest box is to determine the necessary dimensions. The size of your nest box will depend on the number of hens you have and the size of your coop. However, a general rule of thumb is that you’ll need a 12″x12″ nest box for every 3-4 hens. Once you know the size of the box you will be building, you can measure and cut the wood to size.

Assembling the Nest Box

Once your wood is cut to size, you can begin to assemble the box. Start by attaching the pieces of the frame together using screws. Next, you’ll want to add hinges to create the rollaway feature. Attach these to the back of the box to allow the flap to swing open and closed. Finally, attach the nest box to the chicken coop in the desired location.

Adding Finishing Touches

With the base of your nest box complete, you can add some final touches to make it more comfortable and visually appealing. Start by sanding the edges of your wood to make them smoother, and then apply a coat of stain or paint to protect the wood from the elements. It can be a good idea to add cushioning to the bottom of your nest box, such as straw or wood shavings, to make it more comfortable for your hens to lay eggs.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Maintaining and cleaning your nest box is important to ensure that it remains a happy, healthy place for your hens to lay their eggs. Regular cleaning is key, and you should remove any old bedding and replace it with fresh, clean straw or wood shavings. You should also keep an eye out for any signs of mites or lice and act quickly if you notice any issues.

FAQs

– What is the roll away nest box angle?
The roll away nest box angle determines the steepness of the ramp leading to the roll-away tray. A steeper angle is usually better to ensure that eggs roll smoothly and safely into the tray.

– What are the roll away nest box dimensions?
There are many different dimensions that can work for a roll away nest box, but a standard size is 12″x12″ per 3-4 hens.

– Where can I find free roll-away nest box plans?
There are many free plans available online for making your own roll-away nest box. Just search for “roll-away nest box plans” to find a variety of options and choose one that suits your needs.

– What is an external roll-away nest box?
An external roll-away nest box is a type of nest box that is positioned outside of the chicken coop. It helps to save space inside the coop and makes it easier to collect eggs without disturbing the chickens.

– What is a paint tray roll away nest box?
A paint tray roll-away nest box is a type of nest box that utilizes a repurposed paint tray as the egg-collection tray. This can be a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option for creating a roll-away nest box.

– Where can I find a roll away nest box for sale?
You can purchase pre-made roll-away nest boxes from many different retailers, both online and in-store. Just be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the size of your flock and the dimensions of your coop.

– What is the best roll-out chicken nest box?
The best roll-out chicken nest box will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some options are made using different materials, such as PVC or metal, and some are designed for external installation, while others are built into the coop itself. Do your research and choose a product that will work best for you and your flock.

In conclusion, a roll away nest box is a great option for your backyard chicken coop. This article has provided you with a step-by-step guide, as well as key FAQs, for creating your own. With a little time and effort, you’ll have a functional and comfortable place for your hens to lay eggs.