Traditional Nest Box vs Hen Gear Rollout Nest Box - Which one keeps eggs clean and unbroken?

When comparing traditional nest boxes to Hen Gear rollout nest boxes, there are distinct differences in how they handle egg cleanliness and breakage prevention. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Traditional Nest Box

Features:

Simple design with bedding material (e.g., straw, shavings).
Eggs remain in the nest box until collected manually.

Pros:

Cost-effective: Easy to build or buy, often less expensive.
Natural experience for hens: Mimics the hens’ instinct to lay in a soft, cozy nest.

Cons:

Egg Cleanliness: Eggs may get dirty if hens track mud, droppings, or debris into the nest.
Breakage Risk: Eggs can be accidentally stepped on or pecked by hens, leading to cracks or full breakage.
Egg Eating: Hens may develop a habit of eating eggs if they encounter broken ones.

Hen Gear Rollout Nest Box

Features:

Sloped floor design that allows eggs to gently roll away into a collection tray after laying.
Often includes padding to cushion eggs during the roll and a covered collection area.

Pros:

Clean Eggs: Eggs roll away from the nesting area immediately, reducing exposure to dirt, droppings, or debris.
Breakage Prevention: Eggs are less likely to be stepped on or pecked since they’re not left in the nest.
Convenience: Easier to collect eggs, as they are all in one tray.
Discourages Egg Eating: Prevents hens from accessing eggs after laying.

Cons:

Higher Cost: Typically more expensive to purchase than traditional nest boxes.
Learning Curve for Hens: Some hens may need time to adjust to the rollout system.
Maintenance: Rollout mechanisms and collection trays may require regular cleaning and occasional repairs.

Verdict: Which Keeps Eggs Cleaner and Unbroken?

The Hen Gear rollout nest box is superior for keeping eggs clean and unbroken due to its design. The immediate removal of eggs from the nesting area minimizes the chances of contamination, breakage, and egg-eating.

If cleanliness and egg preservation are your priorities, a rollout nest box is worth the investment. However, if cost is a concern or you prefer a more traditional approach, traditional nest boxes can work well with proper management (e.g., frequent egg collection and clean bedding).