Building Your Own Roll-Out Nesting Box: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners with 16 easy to follow steps.

Discover how to craft a DIY roll out nesting box. Get insights on flooring, angles, size, and openings for ideal egg roll out from your hens.

Introduction

Roll out nesting boxes are a popular alternative to traditional nesting boxes that use bedding material. The main difference between these two types is that with roll out boxes, the eggs gently roll away from the laying area and collect in a separate chamber. Traditional boxes keep the eggs in place within the nesting area on the nesting material.

Each style has its own advantages. Roll out boxes allow for easier egg collection since the eggs accumulate together outside the nesting area. The nest stays cleaner as well. Traditional boxes provide more natural nesting conditions and but don’t help to reduce egg breakage. Some people use a hybrid approach with roll out boxes containing a small amount of bedding normally in the form of astro turf or matting.

For this project, we’ll focus on constructing a roll out nesting box design. This involves a communal nesting space where multiple hens can enter and lay eggs comfortably. The eggs then travel down an angled floor into a collection area. Getting the angle and dimensions right are critical for proper functioning.
Refer to Poultry Farming with nesting boxes for more information.

Materials Needed

When making your own roll out nesting box, you will need the following materials:

– **Wood or steel sheeting** – Plywood, solid wood planks or boards are commonly used for building the nest box structure. The thickness will depend on the overall size, but 16mm plywood or 20mm boards are typical. Choose a rot-resistant wood like cedar or redwood for durability.

– **Wire mesh** – Welded wire mesh is used for the sloped floor so eggs can roll freely. A 25X50mm mesh size is ideal. Galvanized steel wire provides corrosion resistance. Stainless steel wire mesh is also an option for maximum durability but quite expensive.

– **Floor mats/astro turf** – These are optional to place over the wire mesh flooring to provide a softer surface. Rubber stall mats, artificial grass turf, or coconut coir mats work as well. Having some cushioning can help reduce cracked eggs and keep hens comfortable.

– **Fasteners** – Galvanized screws, bolts, and rivets are important for assembling the nest box and securely fastening all the components. Go for exterior-rated fasteners to prevent corrosion.

Make sure to use rot-resistant, durable materials suitable for withstanding the outdoor elements. Focus on ease of cleaning and maintenance when selecting materials. Sturdy construction is also key to supporting hen activity.

Size Considerations

When determining the size of your roll out nesting box, there are a few key factors to consider:

Number of Hens

– Estimate how many hens will be using the nesting box. Allow for 1 hens per 9X9cm nesting space as a general rule.

– For example, if you have 100 hens, you’ll want a nesting box with at least 178X45cm nesting space.

– Having adequate space prevents overcrowding and reduces the chances of hens fighting over nest space or laying their eggs on the floor outside the nesting boxes.

Nesting Space Standards

– Many countries have published standards for the amount of nesting space per hen.

– In South Africa, the SAPA standard recommends 1 nest space per 8 hens or 9X9cm for 1 hen if communal nesting boxes are used.

– Refer to your local agriculture department for the standards in your area. Using these guidelines help ensure humane conditions.

Testing Sizes

– Before settling on a final size, test out a prototype nest box with your flock.

– Observe if the hens seem comfortable and each can find a nest site without issue.

– Adjust the size as needed based on your observations. Testing helps dial in the ideal dimensions.

Flooring

When it comes to flooring for roll out nesting boxes, you have a few good options to consider.

Welded Mesh

Welded  wire mesh can make an excellent flooring The mesh allows any dirt or debris to fall through while still providing a stable surface for the hens to stand on. Be sure to select a mesh size that is small enough that eggs cannot roll through. The wire mesh is very durable and easy to clean.

AstroTurf or Artificial grass turf

For a softer flooring option, many chicken keepers use artificial grass turf, also known as AstroTurf. This provides cushioning for the hens’ feet while still allowing waste to fall through although requiring periodical cleaning. AstroTurf is also easy to cut to size and shape for any nest box. It can be removed and hosed off for cleaning. The turf needs to be replaced periodically as it wears out. Astro Turf still require a welded mesh floor support.

PVC Mats

PVC mats are another good choice for nest box flooring. These durable rubber mats have small perforations that allow dirt and debris to sift through. They are very easy to clean and disinfect. PVC mats are not quite as cushioned as artificial turf, but provide more rigidity and support. They also tend to hold up well over time with minimal replacement needed and quite easy to clean when needed. PVC mats still require a welded mesh floor support.

Egg Collection Area

You’ll want the egg collection area to hold about 2 times the number of eggs you will be collecting from your hens daily. This ensures there is adequate space for the eggs to accumulate without breaking each other and collecting eggs once per day saving effort.

To determine the size, start by gathering cardboard boxes or containers of various sizes that match the quantity of eggs you will need to collect per day. Arrange them in the shape and size you’d like the egg collection area to be. Measure the dimensions of this mock setup to get a good idea of the size your actual egg collection area should be. Having the physical boxes there will help you visualize the space needed.

Once you’ve measured your mock up egg collection area, scale up those dimensions for the real materials you’ll use to build the nesting box.

Roll Out Angle

The roll out angle is an important consideration when constructing a roll out nesting box. The angle allows the eggs to gently roll forward and out of the nest, preventing them from getting dirty, cracked, or eaten by the hens.

The ideal angle is usually between 5-7 degrees. Too steep of an angle risks the eggs cracking when they hit the collection area wall or each other. Too shallow, and the eggs may not roll forward easily. They can get stuck in the nestbox, risking damage by the layer hens.

Some nesting boxes allow you to adjust the angle, like those with an adjustable tray. This allows you to tweak the angle to find the optimum one for your specific environment.

In places with nesting box standards, like South Africa’s SABS, there are guidelines for the proper angle. SABS requirement is 7 degrees from the horizontal plane. Having an adjustable nesting box lets farmers adhere to these standards and also adjust to their operational requirements.

An adjustable roll out angle gives farmers the flexibility to customize the nesting box to their flock. The perfect angle gets the eggs safely out of the nest without cracking or breaking.

Egg Opening Size

The opening where the eggs roll through and out of the nestbox is a critical design element. This opening should be a minimum of 60mm high. Having an opening of at least 60mm allows eggs of all sizes to easily pass through without getting stuck. It also makes it difficult for hens to reach their heads down into the collection area to pull eggs back into the nestbox, which could lead to breakage. The 60mm minimum opening dimension is based on typical egg sizes and hen behavior. A narrower opening risks eggs getting jammed and a wider opening allows hens more opportunity to snatch eggs from the collection area. Setting the opening width to 60mm optimizes egg flow while preventing hens to reach the eggs.

Hinges

When attaching the hinges to the nesting box lid, make sure to use sturdy hinges that will support the weight of the lid. Galvanized hinges work well in this application since they resist rust.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your roll out nesting box is important for clean eggs and hen health. Here are some key maintenance tips:

Cleaning

– Clean the nesting box weekly or more frequently if very dirty. Remove all nesting material and droppings.

– Use a brush to brush off any dirt stuck in the nestbox.

– Rinse thoroughly if needed and allow to dry.

Egg Collection

– Collect eggs often, frequency will need to be determined when the hens start laying in the nesting box.

– Wear gloves when collecting to prevent transfer of bacteria.

– Do not wash eggs, simply remove any dirt or feathers. Washing removes the protective cuticle.

– Place clean, dry eggs pointy end down in egg cartons.

– Discard any cracked, dirty or odd-shaped eggs. Do not use for human consumption.

– Refrigerate collected eggs right away.

– Wash hands thoroughly after collecting eggs.

Follow these simple maintenance practices to keep your nesting box clean for your hens and safe egg production. Daily egg collection and weekly cleaning are key.

For properly built and designed nesting boxes search “Easy Collect Nesting box” Range from AIBO Agri Engineering.

For any advice making you own nesting box please give them a call or send an email at Info@aibo.co.za or +27825930088.

Always remember to check whether the angle is adjustable and also whether sizes adhere to minimum size requirements.