Pet Magazine


 

Metal chicken nesting boxes

Have you wondered how best to take care of your chickens? Should your coop feel a little barren or the health of your chickens be put under duress, you might just be interested in a few additions to your farm. A common concern many owners have is the difficult nature of assembling a chicken nesting box for sale, from incomplete instructions to a steep difficulty curve, but the fact of the matter is that there are plenty of accessible options out on the market. Not only can they be stitched together in a matter of hours, they go the extra mile to keep your chickens warm, cozy and safe from potential predators.

What Are The Benefits Of A Real Roll Out Nest Box?

Perhaps you’re wondering what a chicken nesting box for sale can do for your chickens. The most important and obvious aspect, for starters, is to protect from predators. The second factor a nesting box for sale can offer is a warm and comfortable environment for your chickens to rest, eat and lay their eggs. Last, but not least, they can provide an easy area for you to clean and feed your animals instead of a large and difficult yard. Creating a metal chicken nesting box is a fantastic way to ensure your chickens have the longest and most comfortable lifespan possible.

When Do Hens Lay Eggs?

For those trying to cultivate eggs, a chicken nesting box for sale is an invaluable item on the list. The typical hen will start laying eggs when they’re five to six months old, with some breeds able to lay 200 to 300 eggs every year. This depends on the type of chicken, however, and your breed’s unique traits should be double-checked before you lay down any expectations. A laying hen will eat four to six ounces of feed every day, with colder months requiring more feed than warmer months due to additional warmth. While the majority of hens are productive layers for two years, some can lay eggs for many years to come.

What Else Should I Know About Eggs?

Cultivating healthy, strong eggs for sale or consumption requires knowledge of the hen and their environment. Remember that the typical interval between eggs laid is usually around 25 hours. In other words, a hen that lays an egg once per day will generally lay one the next. You should collect your eggs early in the day to prevent potential breakage or animals stealing them from the nests. Hens tend to be done laying their eggs by 10 a.m.

What About Protecting My Hens From Predators?

No farmer wants to see anything happen to their animals. When you’re afraid weasels, foxes or stray cats could sneak into your coop and hurt your hens, a rear roll out nest box can provide your hens warmth and protection. The life expectancy of standard chicken breeds regularly shielded from predators can range from eight years to even 15 years. Remember that these boxes should be checked on a regular basis in the case of cracks, mold or the weakening of its foundation.

What Kind Of Chicken Nesting Box Should I Get?

The kind that’s best for your hens depends heavily on the amount you have, whether or not they lay eggs and what kind of environment you live in. A 12×12 inch box is considered more than sufficient for a chicken to comfortably sleep, interact and lay their eggs. Two to three inches of clean and dry nesting material, such as shavings or straw, should be in the box at all times to encourage warmth. Chicken manure is all about bedding, after all, and the nesting you use will absorb both the scent and texture of any droppings. Chicken manure is composed of nearly 85% water, that of which shavings and straw handle with ease. Consider finding an easy-to-assemble chicken nesting box for sale so your hens can stay safe and happy year-round.