What’s the Best Angle for a Roll-Away Nest Box?

Housing & Equipment
21

I clean my boxes every few days, depending on the weather. Keeping things dry is just as important!

22

Maybe I shouldn’t have made my boxes so steep. I guess trial and error is part of keeping chickens, right?

23

Join the club! I’ve had a couple of flop-overs before getting it right. A learning curve for sure!

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24

A good angle combined with depth can prevent accidents. Maybe 15 degrees is ideal, but testing should guide you.

25

Absolutely! Keeping an eye on the birds can help gauge if they are comfortable with the setup.

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26

It’s so rewarding to see the hens thriving in a clean environment. Healthier poultry means better eggs for all of us.

27

Is there a perfect angle? Maybe it depends on the breed or age of the chickens. I wonder if anyone else has noticed differences?

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28

I recommend installing your roll-away nest box at about a 15-20 degree angle. This helps the eggs roll away smoothly without getting stuck.

29

That makes sense! I’ve heard too steep can cause issues with the eggs breaking. Anyone have tips on making sure it’s level?

30

Definitely keep it level! I use a carpenter’s level to make sure the angle is just right. Also, remember to check for any obstructions inside the box.

31

That’s a great tip! What about the material of the box? Does it impact the angle?

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32

The material can affect the weight distribution, which is crucial. Lighter materials might require a slightly steeper angle, while heavier ones can be more level.

33

Thanks for that info! I have a metal box; should I be concerned about heating in the summer?

34

Be cautious! Metal can heat up quickly. Consider adding insulation or some shade to keep it cooler for your hens.

35

I’m glad I found this thread! I was wondering if the angle had a huge impact on egg breakage. Has anyone faced that issue?

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36

Absolutely! If the angle is too steep, eggs can break on the way down.

37

I once had a disaster with eggs breaking because I didn’t check the angle properly! Lesson learned! Ha!

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38

Oh no! That sounds awful! Was it a complete loss?

39

Not all were lost, but I learned the hard way! I’ve now got a better setup and a more careful approach. Reflecting on mistakes can really help others!