Numerous sources claim that a properly designed, positioned, and equipped chicken nest not only adds order to the coop but also ensures better egg production and quality. Building a roost for laying hens yourself using plans is quite simple; you just need to plan ahead for materials. And you'll find original roost ideas at growwise-en.techinfus.com!
Many villagers, raised in conditions of constant physical labor and meticulous work, don't pay attention to such details. It's believed that the hens themselves will find a secluded spot in the barn. This is a misconception, as the productivity of laying hens directly depends on their comfort and coziness.
Features of perch placement
Before revealing the main methods for creating chicken nests yourself, it's worth pointing out the locations recommended by experts:
- the location of the perches should be in strictly designated and prepared places, located in the shade, far from the sun's rays;
- the nest should be placed in a dry place in the chicken coop, out of reach of moisture and rain;
- it should be kept in a warm place.
In this context, it's worth noting that to improve chicken comfort in rainy, cold, and humid weather, the floor and nests should be covered with hay or straw. Many farmers use sawdust, which retains heat and absorbs moisture when available.
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Another important point is that when creating perches, carefully check the location for nails and chips to prevent injury. Drawings and photos of laying hens' perches are essential for making your own without any complications. There are plenty of original ideas; all that's left is to bring them to life!
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Types of nests
Every self-respecting farm owner, including chickens, should be aware of several types of such structures. A nest box for laying hens is a box filled with hay or straw, in which the hens lay their eggs. This technology is probably used by every rural resident.
If the number of hens is very high, far exceeding 200 or even 300, the owners of such a large-scale farm develop so-called egg collectors - designs from the late 20th century that are trays where eggs from all roosts fall immediately after they are laid, preventing the hens from breaking them or even touching them.
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Roost for laying hens: detailed instructions
In this context, talking about building an egg collector is pointless: firstly, owners with 5-10 hens essentially don't need one; secondly, creating such a structure at home is a complex procedure.
Most often, experienced specialists in the field are called in to install an automatic egg collector. It is also possible to purchase pre-fabricated parts for subsequent assembly.
A high-quality roost for laying hens with an egg collector is quite easy to build yourself, provided you have plans and step-by-step instructions. The key is to follow a pre-designed plan and design. Below are step-by-step instructions for creating a variety of roosts for laying hens.
The nest is a crucial element of the chicken coop and the poultry's living conditions. Perches combined with a laying area are a very interesting solution, allowing you to maximize space. Unique ideas and various sizes can also be used in any combination. Below are the most common designs you can implement.
Nest from a car tire
This option may seem funny to some and unacceptable to others, but the facts speak for themselves: many villagers are making nests for chickens using car tires.
- We choose a suitable place. It should be dry and warm.
- You will need to take the tire and place it in the planned location.
- It will be necessary to fill the tire with about 500 grams of sawdust to retain heat.
- It is recommended to place hay on top of the sawdust, arranging it in such a way that the center of the tire is 3-4 centimeters below its walls.
- After the first clutch, the bird will independently arrange the bedding as it pleases.
- To give it an original style, you can paint the outside of the tire with paints.
- The roost is ready.
[sc name=»info-attention» text=»A car tire is not always the best option due to its bulkiness.»]
In most cases, such structures are used in private backyards during the summer. In winter, small, convenient wooden boxes are chosen; they are ideal for chicken coops.
A perch with an egg collector is ideal for winter housing. During this time, birds lay few eggs and require a high vitamin intake. It's not uncommon for birds to peck at the eggshells. Installing a special egg collector with a storage area will prevent this from happening. The most important thing is to approach the production process responsibly.
Box-shaped perch
This design is less energy-intensive and requires minimal materials. Box-shaped perches are widely used and offer numerous advantages.
Today, a nest box for laying hens is popular, which is not only comfortable for the hens, but also convenient for humans.
- Take a box no more than 20 centimeters high (plastic or wooden) and place it in a selected, pre-prepared dry place in the shed.
- As in the first option: sprinkle the bottom with sawdust, and then with hay.
- That's all, the much desired and much needed nest is ready.
This is the most optimal and common option for making homemade roosts for laying hens. You can easily collect eggs and be confident in their safety. Agriculture is of great importance to the country's population today, so poultry care must comply with veterinary regulations.
Decorative nests for laying hens
In fact, it's very easy to create original DIY chicken perch ideas, as each method comes with photos and detailed instructions. Whether for fun or just for fun, some private chicken coop owners take an unconventional approach to creating perches.
Some people make flower-shaped perches out of the aforementioned tires, while others use a crate to create a veritable multi-story, decorated chicken house, which doesn't seem to frighten the hens at all. Various materials can be used to construct these structures, depending on your budget.
Video on creating a roost for laying hens: