Emily Carter
Building a cheap chicken nesting box is a great DIY project. Nest boxes are important for chickens to have a safe and comfortable place to lay their eggs. They also help keep the eggs clean and protected. When building a nesting box, it's important to consider the placement, size, and bedding type. The box should be positioned lower than the roosts and easily accessible for egg collection. The standard size for a nest box is 12x12x12 inches, providing enough space for the chicken to move around while also offering privacy. Soft bedding such as straw, hay, or wood shavings can be used, with fresh bedding provided daily. Creative and inexpensive materials such as buckets, milk crates, and plywood can be used to build functional and inexpensive nesting boxes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plywood, lumber, sheet metal, milk crates, buckets, straw, pine shavings, hemp |
| Height | Not too high or low; 5-gallon buckets are a good height |
| Width | 12x12x12 inches is a standard size |
| Accessibility | Accessible from outside the coop |
| Cleanliness | Regularly change bedding to avoid moisture or mould build-up |
| Privacy | Covered for extra privacy |
| Number | One box per 3-4 hens |
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What You'll Learn
Using plywood and recycled materials
Building a chicken nesting box is a simple project that can be made even more affordable by using plywood and recycled materials.
To get started, you'll need to gather your materials. Plywood is perfect for the structure of your nesting box, and you can use recycled pallet wood to save on costs. Ensure you have enough wood to cut out the various pieces needed for the frame, base, sides, and top. Standard measurements for a nesting box are 12x12x12 inches, but you can adjust this based on the size of your chickens, ensuring they have enough space to move around comfortably.
In addition to the wood, you'll need screws or nails to hold everything together. Pocket hole screw joints are a great option for creating a sturdy frame. You might also need glue if you prefer to attach pieces that way. A measuring tape and a saw are essential tools for ensuring your cuts are precise. If you want to add a nice finish to your nesting box, you can use non-toxic paint or sealant to protect the wood and make cleaning easier.
For the bedding inside the nesting box, you can use recycled materials such as straw, hemp, or wood shavings. Some people have even used old shoe organizer cubbies, kitty litter containers, or plastic tubs lined with straw to create a comfortable and cleanable space for their hens to lay their eggs.
When assembling your nesting box, start by cutting your wood to size, following the standard measurements or your custom adjustments. Attach the sides to the base using screws or nails, and then add the top to enclose the structure. Leave the front side open for the entrance, or you can attach an additional piece of wood to keep the bedding in while creating custom openings for the chickens. If desired, add a roof to prevent chickens from sitting on top and making a mess. You can use leftover composite material, plywood, or even recycled metal roofing for this.
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Nest box height and placement
When building a chicken nesting box, it is important to consider the height and placement of the box. The height of the box should be high enough for a chicken to sit comfortably. A standard nest box is 12x12x12 inches, which provides a soft place to lay an egg while also providing privacy. If the box is too big, the chicken won't feel as safe and secure, and if it's too small, thicker breeds won't have enough space to move around. Hens like to nest low and roost high, so it's important to ensure that the nesting boxes are positioned lower than the roosts. This will also prevent the boxes from being covered in poop.
It is recommended to have one nest box for every 3-4 hens. However, some people get by with fewer nesting boxes, but there is a risk of hens laying eggs elsewhere if the box is full when she wants to lay. The placement of the boxes should be easily accessible for collecting eggs. For example, positioning the boxes on the opposite side of the coop from the roosts in a lower spot is ideal.
When building nesting boxes, it is important to use soft bedding such as hemp, wood shavings, straw, or hay. This will help keep the eggs clean and intact. It is also recommended to add a lip or bar to the front of the box to prevent the chickens from kicking the bedding and eggs out.
Using buckets as nesting boxes is a popular option, as they provide enough space for the hens to move around while also making them feel cozy and safe. Buckets can be placed on a stand, such as a coffee table, or a frame or platform can be built specifically for them. It is important to ensure that the buckets are secure and cannot roll around when the hens jump inside.
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Choosing bedding type
When it comes to choosing the right bedding type for your nesting boxes, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand that chickens don't sleep in their bedding; they sleep on roosts. Therefore, the purpose of bedding in nesting boxes is to provide a soft landing for eggs, make cleaning easier, and keep the coop dry and clean.
Straw
Straw is a popular choice for bedding in nesting boxes. It is affordable, easily accessible, and keeps eggs clean. It also provides a soft and natural environment for your chickens to lay their eggs. However, straw may need to be changed more frequently to avoid moisture or mould buildup.
Wood Shavings
Wood shavings, such as pine or cedar shavings, are commonly used as bedding in chicken coops. They offer a range of benefits, including quick drying, pleasant aroma, and substantial padding for eggs. Pine shavings, in particular, are inexpensive and can be found at feed supply stores, big-box stores, and pet supply stores. However, some sources suggest avoiding pine shavings due to their potential toxic qualities.
Shredded Paper
Shredded paper or newspaper is a recycled and inexpensive option for bedding. However, caution should be exercised due to the potential toxicity of ink, especially with glossy paper.
Sand
Sand is another option for bedding in chicken coops and nesting boxes. It provides a clean and dry surface and can be scooped out easily when cleaning. However, sand may not be suitable for elevated coop floors as it can be heavy.
Hemp
Hemp is a natural and soft bedding option for nesting boxes. It is loose and organic, providing a comfortable environment for your chickens.
Raffia
Raffia, derived from the African palm tree, is an ultra-soft bedding option that chickens seem to prefer. It offers a unique texture that chickens find appealing.
When choosing bedding for your nesting boxes, it's important to consider factors such as absorbency, ease of cleaning, comfort for your chickens, and potential health concerns. It's also worth noting that you may need to experiment with different bedding types to see which one your chickens prefer and to ensure they feel comfortable and safe.
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Building a bucket nest box
Materials
You will need a 5-gallon bucket, which can be purchased new or sourced for free from local businesses. Just ensure that the bucket has not been used to store any hazardous materials. For the foundation, you can use an old wooden coffee table or build a simple frame or platform. You will also need bedding material such as straw, wood shavings, or nest box pads.
Construction
The number of buckets you need will depend on the size of your flock. It is recommended to have one nesting box per 2-3 laying hens, but at the very least, you should have one nesting box for every 5 hens. Place the buckets on your chosen foundation, ensuring they are secure and cannot roll around. The buckets can be screwed into the frame or positioned close enough together that they hold themselves in place. You can also build a rack or stackable racks for the buckets to lay flat in and add perches to the outer ends.
Placement
Keep the nest boxes low to the ground as hens like to nest low and roost high. Do not place the nest boxes directly under the roost, as they will likely be covered in droppings. Instead, place them on the opposite side of the coop in a lower spot that is still easily accessible for egg collection.
Maintenance
Provide fresh bedding daily to prevent the hens from finding new spots to lay and to keep the eggs clean. Regularly change the bedding to avoid moisture or mould buildup. The bucket nest boxes should also be removable for easy cleaning.
With these simple steps, you can create a functional and budget-friendly nesting area for your chickens, providing them with a sense of safety and comfort while making egg collection more convenient for you.
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Making a milk crate nest box
Milk crates can be used to make a quick, cheap, and effective chicken nesting box. This is a perfect solution if you need an extra nest box in a hurry. You can use old milk crates or buy new ones. If you are using old milk crates, make sure they haven't been used to store hazardous materials.
To make a milk crate nest box, start by laying the crate on its side. Cut a small piece of scrap wood and screw it into the bottom of the crate to create a 'lip' that will keep the bedding from falling out. You can also add a piece of scrap wood to the top to protect the nest box area from any stray droppings. Place the box in a corner of the coop so that two walls of the nest box are covered by the walls of the coop, providing more privacy for the hens.
If you have multiple milk crates, you can stack them on top of each other to create a nesting system. Construct a wooden frame to hold the crates in place and prevent them from moving as the chickens go in and out. Use the dimensions of the individual crates to build the frame, and make sure it is sturdy. You can also add a board in front of each box to prevent eggs from falling out.
For bedding, you can use straw, wood shavings, or nest box pads. Make sure to provide fresh bedding daily to keep the chickens from finding new spots to lay and to avoid dirty eggs.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use wood, sheet metal, or plastic. You can also use leftover or scrap wood, such as plywood, and recycled materials like buckets, milk crates, kitty litter containers, and old mailboxes.
The standard size for a chicken nesting box is 12x12x12 inches. It's important to ensure that the box is not placed directly under the roost, as it will get covered in poop. The box should be positioned in a lower spot that is easily accessible when collecting eggs. It's also a good idea to add a lip or bar to the front of the box to prevent chickens from kicking out the bedding and eggs.
You can use straw, wood shavings, hay, soft dry moss, or nest box pads. Chickens tend to prefer straw as it helps keep the eggs clean. Fresh bedding should be provided daily to avoid dirty eggs.
