How to Make Chicken Nesting Boxes? DIY Tips and Ideas

Do you want to make chicken nesting boxes at home? If yes, keep reading. Here, you will find DIY tips and ideas for making your own chicken nesting boxes.

These nesting boxes will make your hens happy, and they will lay their eggs comfortably.

Many owners don’t make chicken nesting boxes for their chickens inside their chicken coops. Chickens lay eggs in buckets, tubs, and bushes because there is no nesting space.

In this guide, you will learn how to make the best chicken nesting boxes at home using products from your backyard.

Let’s make a chicken nest box at home using metal and plastic.

What Are Chicken Nesting Boxes?

Chicken nesting boxes are essential to a chicken coop because they give hens a safe and cozy place to lay their eggs.

These nesting boxes are designed to look like the places inside a chicken house where chickens would typically lay their eggs.

Most chicken nesting boxes for chickens are made of sturdy materials like wood or plastic. But sometimes they are made of metal or galvanized steel, which keeps it rust-proof.

Because chicken egg-laying boxes are made to last through everyday use, most hen nesting boxes are small and closed off; some have curtains for privacy and safety.

The nesting boxes for the chickens are put in the chicken coop so that the hens can use them when they want to lay eggs. It gives hens a dark, comfortable place to lay their eggs.

Putting nesting boxes in your chicken coop is essential for the chickens and those caring for them. It makes it easy for the chicken nesting box to collect the eggs without irritating the hens or hurting the eggs in any way.

When buying or building chicken nesting boxes, consider how many hens you have and how large they are.

Each chicken should have sufficient space to lay their eggs without experiencing discomfort or feeling too crowded.

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Benefits of Making Homemade Chicken Nesting Boxes

You can enjoy several benefits when you make chicken nesting boxes instead of buying them.

First, when you make your nesting boxes, you can customize them to fit precisely what you want and like. You can pick the size, shape, and materials that work best for your flock and space.

Secondly, you can save money by making your nesting boxes. If you want to buy nesting boxes that are already made, it can cost a lot of money, especially if you have many chickens.

If you make the hen houses yourself, you can save money and still give your hens a cozy and safe place to lay their eggs.

In addition, when you make your nesting boxes, you have the chance to use materials that have been recycled or repurposed. By reducing waste, you also make your chicken housing more environmentally friendly.

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Furthermore, when you build your nesting boxes, you can showcase your creativity and do-it-yourself abilities. Doing this project can be enjoyable and make you feel good because you will feel proud and satisfied.

When you make chicken nesting boxes, you can make them easy to collect eggs and clean. You can add dividers that can be taken out or lids that can swing open to make it easier.

Moreover, when you make your nesting boxes, you can ensure that the materials used are of good quality and will last a long time. You can pick strong materials that will last a long time and make a safe and cozy place for your chickens.

Lastly, you can quickly repair or replace homemade nesting boxes if needed. You can take care of the boxes to ensure they stay in good shape for your chickens.

How to Make Chicken Nesting Boxes? Know the Calculation for 6, 8, 10, 20, and 30 Chickens)

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When making nesting boxes for your chickens, you should consider how many chickens you have.

Whether you have 6, 8, 10, 20, or 30 chickens, you need to give them nesting boxes that are comfy and work well.

You’ll need a wooden box about 12 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 12 inches high to make a breeding box for six chickens. Using dividers, split the box into six sections.

Ensure each section is big enough for a chicken to lay eggs comfortably. Put soft nesting materials like straw or wood shavings in the sections to make a cozy place for your chickens.

If you want to keep 10 chickens, choose a box about 18 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches high.

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Make sure each space is big enough for a chicken when you divide the box into ten sections. Again, use the right items to ensure your feathered friends are comfortable.

When you have 20 chickens, you’ll need a giant nesting box about 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 24 inches high.

Split the box into twenty sections, giving each chicken enough room to lay her eggs comfortably. Remember to give your chickens something to nest in if you want them to be happy.

Remember that the nesting box size is essential to ensure your chickens have enough room to lay their eggs without feeling crowded.

Giving your flock clean, cozy nesting boxes will make them more likely to lay eggs regularly. So, use your creativity to make chicken nesting boxes that fit the needs of your feathered friends.

How to Make Chicken Nesting Boxes Using Wood Blocks?

If you want your chickens to have a nice place to live, you must learn how to make nesting boxes.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to make nesting boxes using wood for chickens.

First, gather all the things you’ll need. You’ll need screws, wood blocks, a saw, a measuring tape, and a drill machine.

Once you have all you require, measure how big you want your nesting boxes to be. Each box should be about 12 inches by 12 inches.

Next, cut the wood blocks to the sizes you chose. Ensure each box has a bottom, front, back, and sides. Put the pieces together using the screws and drill to make a strong building.

You could add a layer of straw or wood shavings to the bottom of the box to make it more comfortable for your chickens. This will make the nest warmer and more comfortable.

When you’re done building the nesting boxes, you can make them your own by painting or dying the wood. The wooden chicken nesting box painting is most important to increase life.

Add some design curtains on chicken nesting boxes. It provides a more secure and private feeling in hens during egg-laying.

These steps will help you to build chicken nesting boxes made from wood quickly and easily. Your bird friends will love their new cozy homes; it will feel good to know you made them. Have fun with your hens!

How to Make Chicken Nesting Boxes Using Plastic? – DIY Ideas

Making nesting boxes for your chickens out of plastic is an excellent idea if you want them to be warm and cozy.

Plastic is not only solid and easy to clean, but it is also easy to find and cheap. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make plastic nesting boxes.

First, get everything you need. For a chicken to nest comfortably, you’ll need plastic containers with lids, especially deep and wide ones. Ensure they are clean and don’t have any harm or sharp edges.

Next, write where each container opens on the top of each lid. Use a marker or a knife to make a small, semicircular hole that is big enough for your chickens to get in and out quickly.

Once you’ve marked the spaces, use a strong pair of scissors or a sharp knife to cut out the holes. Ensure the edge is clean and smooth because rough edges can hurt your chickens.

Straw or wood shavings can be put in the bottom of each nesting box to make it soft and warm. This will give your hens a warm and cozy place to lay their eggs.

The last step is putting the lid on the container to ensure it fits perfectly. You can use zip ties or clasps to keep the lid in place.

By following this simple DIY plan, you can make chicken nesting boxes using plastic that is useful and comfortable.

Your chickens will love the cozy nesting coop you’ve made for them, and you’ll love how easy it is for you to collect their fresh eggs.

How to Make Chicken Nesting Boxes Using Metal or Galvanized Steel?

Galvanized steel can be a great choice to make strong chicken nesting boxes that last a long time. Here is a step-by-step guide to making metal nesting boxes for chickens.

Start by getting together everything you’ll need for the project. This includes galvanized steel strips, a measuring tape, metal shears, screws, a drill machine, and a screwdriver.

Use the measuring tape to determine how big your nesting boxes should be. Use metal shears to cut the galvanized steel pieces to the correct size. Make sure that each nesting box has its own separate space.

Put the cut metal pieces together to make a nesting box. Screw the corners together to keep the box connected. Make sure the boxes are strong and in the right place.

Add a sloped roof to each chicken nesting box to prevent water from getting in. Cut a second piece of galvanized steel sheet and use screws to connect it to the top of the box.

Cut a small hole in the front of each nesting box with metal tools. This will be where the chickens can get in.

Find the best place inside the chicken coop for the laying boxes. Use screws and a drill to fasten the boxes firmly to the walls or frame of the coop.

Straw or wood shavings can make the nesting boxes more comfy. This will give the chickens a warm and comfortable place to lay their eggs.

Following these easy steps, you can make chicken nesting boxes out of stainless steel or other metals that will last and work well.

These boxes will give your chickens a safe and cozy place to lay eggs. This will make sure that your backyard chickens are happy and healthy.

Best 5 Homemade Chicken Nesting Box DIY Ideas 

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We seek easy and creative ideas to make homemade chicken nesting boxes. Look no further! 

We have compiled a list of the 5 best and easiest DIY ideas for chicken nesting boxes.  

1. Repurposed crates: 

Transform old wooden crates into cozy nesting boxes by adding a hinged lid for easy access. Paint them in vibrant colors to create a beautiful and functional addition to your chicken coop. 

 2. Five-gallon buckets: 

Cut a small opening on one side of a clean, empty five-gallon bucket. Line the inside with straw or sawdust for added comfort. This simple and affordable option provides a comfortable nesting place for your chickens. 

 3. Milk crates: 

Stack milk crates securely to create a multi-tiered nesting box system. Line each crate with soft bedding to make it comfortable for your hens. This DIY idea is not only practical but also cost-effective. 

 4. Wooden pallets: 

Use sturdy wooden pallets to build custom nesting boxes. Cut the pallets to the desired size and attach them to the wall of your coop. Add a slanted roof for better protection against the elements. 

 5. Plastic storage bins: 

Repurpose plastic storage bins by cutting a small entry hole in one side. Fill the bottom with straw or hay to create a cozy nesting spot. These bins are easy to clean and maintain 

 With these easy and affordable DIY ideas, you can create beautiful and functional chicken nesting boxes for your feathered friends. Happy building!

Other FAQs About Chicken Nesting Boxes

How Big Should Chicken Nesting Boxes Be?

It’s not always easy to say how big it is to build a chicken nesting box. It differs from breed to breed because of their size.

Make one chicken box for every 3–5 hens to avoid flock crowding. Chickens believe that something someone uses is inherently better and will try to lay in the same box as everyone else.

A standard nesting coop for conventional chickens such as Sussex, Leghorns, Plymouth Rocks, and hybrid layers like Amberlink must be in dimension 12×12 sq. inches. This will fit the average chicken very well.

Larger birds like Jersey Giants need 12 inches deep, 14 inches wide and 12 inches tall.

What Are the Chicken Nesting Box Dimensions and Sizes?

The right size for a chicken nesting box is about 12“x12” x14”. If you keep more giant chickens, like Jersey Giants, you could go up with that number, just as chicken boxes might be smaller. You want them to feel like it involves them in space without squeezing.

What Must Be the Height of Chicken Nesting Coops From the Floor?

The floor-mounted enclosures are clean. There is a suitable height from 4-6 inches off the ground. This facilitates egg collection.

How to Put Bedding for a Chicken Nesting Box?

Clean bedding is the key to cleaning the nesting boxes. The box should be deep enough to protect the eggs from being pushed around by other chickens and break if they do.

Bedding also helps to prevent egg breaking. If chickens accidentally break an egg, the instinct is to eat the egg to “hide the evidence” from potential predators.

The problem is that chickens intentionally drop and break eggs once they taste their eggs’ deliciousness.

How Many Nesting Boxes for 6, 10, 20, and 30 Chickens?

When it comes to creating nesting boxes for chickens, the number of boxes needed depends on the size of your flock. For 6 chickens, you’ll need at least 2 nesting boxes. 

This ensures enough space for each hen to lay her eggs comfortably. If you have 10 chickens, having 3 to 4 nesting boxes is recommended. 

This allows for more room and reduces the chances of overcrowding. With 20 chickens, aim for 6 to 8 nesting boxes to accommodate the larger flock. 

For 30 chickens, you’ll want to provide 10 nesting boxes to ensure plenty of options for each hen. 

Remember, providing enough nesting boxes is essential for the well-being and productivity of your chickens.

What Is the Importance of Curtains in Chicken Nesting Boxes?

Curtains play a crucial role in chicken nesting boxes. They provide privacy and security for the hens, allowing them to lay their eggs in peace. 

Curtains also help regulate the temperature inside the nesting boxes, keeping them warm during colder months and cool during hotter months. 

Additionally, curtains prevent the eggs from getting dirty or damaged by providing a barrier between the nesting material and the eggs. 

By incorporating curtains into your chicken nesting boxes, you can create a cozy and comfortable environment for your hens, ensuring optimal egg production and overall well-being.