Constructing A Chicken Nesting Box From Plywood: A Diy Guide

Building a chicken nesting box out of plywood is a great DIY project that can save you money and provide a comfortable space for your chickens to lay eggs. The process involves creating a temporary skeleton structure, cutting and assembling plywood pieces, and adding bedding material to make the boxes attractive to hens. You can use leftover plywood from building a chicken coop or purchase plywood from a construction supply store. The size of the nesting box and the number of boxes you need will depend on the breed and number of chickens you have. This guide will take you through the steps to build a functional and aesthetically pleasing chicken nesting box.

Planning and materials

Once you have determined the size and number of boxes, you can gather your materials. You will need plywood, which can be purchased or sourced from scrap wood, such as a plywood crate. The plywood should be about 2 inches thick, and you will need enough to cut out the side pieces and dividers. In addition to plywood, you will need screws or nails, a drill, and a saw. If you are building a suspended nesting box, you will also need to create a 2x4 frame for support.

When planning the design of your nesting box, consider adding a front lip to keep bedding and eggs from falling out. You can also add curtains or shades to provide privacy and protection from the elements if the nesting box is placed outside. To make the nesting boxes more attractive to hens, add bedding materials such as straw, dried grass, shredded paper, or pine shavings.

Before introducing your hens to the nesting boxes, ensure that they are clean and free of pests. You can encourage your hens to use the new boxes by placing fake eggs or golf balls inside.

Cutting the plywood

When building a chicken nesting box, it is good to first put up a skeleton to act as a temporary structure to guide you in building the final box. You can use leftover plywood from building the chicken coop, or you can buy plywood from a construction supply store. For most chickens, a 16-inch x 16-inch x 16-inch nesting box is a good size. You will need one nesting box for every 3 to 4 hens.

Before you start cutting the plywood, you should decide on the number of boxes you need and the size of the individual nesting boxes. The size of the individual nesting boxes will depend on the chicken breed you want to keep. You will need flat plywood that is about 2 inches thick. If you are using scrap wood, you will need six pieces that are as long as your boxes put together, and 3 of them should be at least as wide as the boxes you want to build.

Cut the panels to the exact size so that they fit with the framing. From the plywood, cut out the side pieces and dividers. You can use a handsaw, jigsaw, or circular saw to cut the plywood. Make sure to wear protective gear, including eye and ear protection, when cutting the plywood. Mark the cut lines on the plywood with a pencil and a straight edge before cutting. Cut the plywood pieces to the following dimensions:

• Two pieces of 1/2″ plywood @ 15 3/8″ x 16″ (side walls) - cut down to 12″ on the opposite side
• One piece of 1/2″ plywood @ 66 1/8″ x 12″ (back plywood)

You can also cut out an entrance hole in the front of the nesting box, which should be large enough for the chickens to comfortably enter and exit. The entrance hole can be cut using a jigsaw or a handsaw. Sand down any rough edges after cutting to ensure the chickens do not get splinters.

Building the frame

Planning and Materials

Start by determining the size and number of nesting boxes you need, considering the breed and number of chickens you plan to keep. A typical nesting box size is 16 inches by 16 inches, and you will need one box for every three to four hens. Gather your materials, including plywood, drill, screws, and any additional tools for cutting and measuring.

Cutting the Plywood

Cut your plywood to the required size and shape for the frame. You will need pieces for the sides, back, and front of the frame. Ensure your measurements are accurate and consider the thickness of the plywood when cutting. For a basic box shape, you will need two side pieces, a back piece, and a front piece.

Frame Assembly

Drill pocket holes in the plywood pieces to create a secure joint. The pocket holes should be approximately 1 1/2 inches deep. Assemble the frame by joining the pieces together with screws. Ensure the frame is sturdy and square, double-checking all measurements as you go.

Additional Support

If your nesting box will be suspended, you may need to add additional support to the frame. Consider building a 2x4 support frame to attach to the nesting box frame. This will provide stability and ensure the box can bear weight without legs. Drill and screw the support frame to the nesting box frame, ensuring a secure fit.

Final Adjustments

Once the frame is assembled, make any necessary adjustments. Check that the frame is level and sturdy, and if needed, add additional screws or braces for extra stability. Sand any rough edges to ensure the chickens' safety and your own. Now you have a solid frame for your chicken nesting box!

Adding the trim

Adding trim to your chicken nesting box is an important step in the building process. It not only enhances the aesthetics of the box but also serves functional purposes. Here is a detailed guide on how to add trim when building a chicken nesting box out of plywood:

Start by cutting your plywood to the required size for the sides and back of the nesting box. The standard size for a nesting box is about 16 inches in length, width, and height. You will need two pieces of plywood for the sides and one for the back. Cut the plywood pieces to ensure they fit together snugly, forming a three-sided enclosure.

Before attaching the trim, it is recommended to paint or finish the wood to match the colour and style of your chicken coop. This will save you from having to be as precise when painting later, and it ensures all areas are covered.

Now, you can begin attaching the trim to the sides first. Using angled boards that are mitered at 14.6 degrees off-square, carefully screw the trim into the plywood sides. Ensure the trim is secure and level.

Next, move on to the back of the nesting box. Cut a piece of plywood to fit the rear dimension, and then attach it to the structure. You can use nails or screws for this step, ensuring a sturdy hold.

Finally, add a front lip to the bottom front of the nesting box. This lip is essential as it will keep bedding and eggs from falling out. You can use the same plywood or a different type of wood for the lip, ensuring it is securely attached.

And there you have it! You have successfully added trim to your chicken nesting box, providing both a functional and aesthetically pleasing touch to your coop. Remember to adapt these steps as needed based on the specific design and size of your chicken nesting box.

Finishing touches

Once you've assembled the chicken nesting box, there are a few finishing touches you can add to make it more functional and comfortable for your hens. Firstly, ensure that you attach the back piece securely with nails or screws, and don't forget to add the front lip to the bottom front of the box. This front lip is essential as it will keep bedding and eggs from falling out.

To make the nesting boxes more inviting for your hens, add some bedding material. Straw, dried grass, shredded paper, or pine shavings are all good options. Hens naturally prefer nesting in dark and private places, so consider adding some curtains made from scrap fabric. Just be sure they don't block the entrance to the boxes. Thumbtacks or staples can be used to attach the curtains to the top of the boxes.

If your nesting box is placed outside, it's a good idea to raise it a few inches off the ground to protect it from damage and other environmental factors. Double-check for pests before introducing your hens to their new nesting area, and always ensure the space is clean and comfortable.

Finally, encourage your hens to use their new nesting boxes by placing fake eggs or golf balls inside.

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