Clean, whole eggs start with a good nest box, and a quiet night with a good perch. In this collection you will find Gaun plastic nest boxes, some with egg collection or a collection tray with lid, the Gaun nest box with plastic floor and two compartments, wooden nest boxes and a Kerbl duo nest box, plus chick perches and the Gaun chicken swing. A plastic dummy egg, an egg basket and an egg tray are here too.
Plastic or wood, open or with collection?
| Choice | Advantage | To bear in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic nest box | Few seams, can be rinsed, dries quickly | Looks less natural in a wooden coop |
| Wooden nest box | Dark and sheltered, suits most coops | Cracks and seams need extra checks for red mite |
| Nest with egg collection | The egg rolls away, stays cleaner and is not pecked | Chickens need to get used to the sloping floor |
For the number of nests, manufacturers roughly count one laying place per four to five hens; the Gaun two-compartment nest box is designed for up to ten chickens. A duo nest is handy if your flock grows.
How to hang nest and perch
Place the nest box in a dark, quiet spot, out of draughts and not directly opposite the door. The perch should hang higher than the nest; otherwise chickens choose the nest to sleep in and soil it. Hang several perches at the same height, so there is less squabbling over the highest spot. Chicks and young birds practise on a low chick perch before they reach the adult flock's perch.
If young hens are still laying everywhere except in the nest, put a plastic dummy egg in it. That shows them where the safe laying spot is.
Points to note
Nests and perches are where red mite likes to hide most. Check ends and mounting points regularly and read how to tackle it in chicken health. Replace nesting material as soon as it is dirty. An egg basket or egg tray helps keep eggs clean and whole after collecting. If you want to hatch your own chicks, see incubators and chicks; nest and perch naturally belong in the chicken coop. All sections are under everything for your chickens.
Frequently asked questions
How many nest boxes do I need?
Count on about one laying place per four to five hens. The Gaun nest box with two compartments is designed for up to ten chickens.
Why do my chickens sleep in the nest box?
Usually the perch hangs too low or there is too little perch space. Hang the perch higher than the nest.
What is a plastic dummy egg for?
The fake egg shows young hens where to lay, so they lay elsewhere in the run less often.
What is a nest box with egg collection?
The egg rolls down a sloping floor into a screened compartment. That way it stays clean and chickens cannot peck at it.