Constructing A Cozy Chicken Nest Box

Building your own chicken nest box is a great way to save money and repurpose old materials. You can use scrap wood, buckets, milk crates, kitty litter containers, and even mailboxes to create a comfortable and safe space for your chickens to lay their eggs. The size of the box will depend on the breed of chicken, but for most chickens, a box measuring 16 by 16 by 16 inches is suitable. It's important to ensure that the nest box is sturdy, well-ventilated, and has a lip to prevent bedding and eggs from being kicked out. By building your own chicken nest box, you can provide a functional and cosy space for your chickens while adding a unique touch to your backyard poultry setup.

Planning and materials

You will also need a variety of tools, such as a circular saw or table saw to cut the plywood, and protective gear like work gloves, safety glasses, eye goggles, hearing protection, and a dust mask. Other materials include screws or nails, and wood glue to attach the pieces together.

The number of boxes you build will depend on the number of hens you have. It is recommended to have one box for every 2 to 4 hens, so they have enough space and don't have to fight over the boxes. The size of the boxes will also depend on the breed of chicken. For most chickens, a 16 x 16 x 16-inch box is suitable, but for larger breeds like Orpingtons or Rhode Island Reds, you may want to make the boxes bigger, around 18 x 18 x 18 inches.

If you are looking for a more creative or budget-friendly option, you can use buckets instead of wood to build your chicken nest boxes. 5-gallon buckets are a good option as they provide enough space for the hens to move around while still feeling enclosed and safe. You can use buckets that you already have, find free ones, or buy new ones, ensuring that they did not previously store any hazardous materials.

Cutting and assembly

To build a chicken nesting box, you'll need flat plywood that's about 2 inches thick. You can either buy this from a construction supply store or use scrap wood from a previous project. If you're using scrap wood, you'll need six pieces that are as long as your boxes put together, and three of them should be at least as wide as the boxes you want to build.

Once you have your materials, start by cutting out the pieces for the sides, dividers, support, top, back, and bottom of the boxes. Remember to measure and mark where you'll be cutting, and always wear protective gear like eye goggles, hearing protection, a dust mask, work gloves, and safety glasses when cutting and assembling.

After you've cut out all the pieces, it's time to assemble the box. Start by gluing the side and divider pieces to the bottom piece with wood glue. Then, use nails or screws to attach the top and back pieces. Be sure to use enough nails or screws to ensure the box is sturdy—you don't want it falling apart once your chickens start using it!

If you're building multiple boxes, you'll need to cut and assemble each one individually to ensure they're all the same size. Once you have all the boxes assembled, you can attach them together and add a roof. Cut another long piece of plywood for the front lip, which will help keep the eggs and bedding material in place.

Finally, add some ventilation holes at the top and drainage holes at the bottom of the nesting box. Avoid putting any holes in the roof, as this can cause dirt or water to get inside. You may also want to add a hinged lid for easy cleaning once the breeding season is over.

Adding a roof

Choose the Right Roofing Material

Select a roofing material that suits your needs and budget. Popular options include metal roofing, such as galvanised steel or corrugated metal sheets, which offer strength and weather resistance. Other options include bitumen roofing sheets, plastic roofing, polycarbonate sheets, felt shingles, asphalt shingles, and cedar shakes. Consider factors such as durability, cost, ease of installation, and aesthetics when making your decision.

Prepare the Roof Frame

Build a frame to attach your roofing material to. Use wood, preferably a strong type of wood such as plywood, and cut the pieces to size. You can use a circular saw or a table saw for this step, ensuring you wear protective gear like work gloves and safety glasses. Join the pieces together using wood glue and screws. Create a sturdy frame that can withstand the weight of the roofing material and provide adequate support.

Attach the Roofing Material

Once your frame is ready, it's time to attach your chosen roofing material. Follow the specific instructions for your selected material. For example, if you choose metal roofing sheets, you may need to screw them in place and seal the edges for added protection. Ensure that your roofing material is securely attached to the frame and that there are no gaps or openings that could allow rainwater to leak through.

Consider Additional Features

Depending on your location and climate, you may want to consider adding insulation to your chicken nest box. This can help regulate the temperature and keep your chickens comfortable during hot or cold seasons. Additionally, think about the airflow and ventilation inside the nest box. Good ventilation is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of your chickens.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Regularly inspect and maintain your chicken nest box roof to ensure its longevity. Check for any signs of damage, such as holes or leaks, and repair them promptly. Keep the roof clean and clear of any debris or obstructions. By performing regular maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your roof and ensure that your chickens remain safe and comfortable.

Nest box placement

When building a chicken coop, it is good to first put up a temporary structure to guide you in building the final box. This will help you avoid common mistakes and develop an appropriately-sized box.

The placement of your nesting boxes is important. You should choose a sheltered location within the coop to build a nesting box. If you put the nesting box outside, ensure it is not facing a cold wind. Raise the box a few inches above the ground to prevent damage and other environmental threats. You can build a simple frame or shelf or use something like a coffee table.

The height of the nest box should be high enough for a chicken to sit comfortably. A 5-gallon bucket is just the right height. The nest box should be covered to make the chickens feel safe from aerial predators. It should also have a lip to prevent the chickens from kicking bedding and eggs out.

The number of nesting boxes you build will depend on the number of chickens you have. A good rule of thumb is to have one nesting box for every 2 to 4 hens.

Nest box maintenance

Cleaning Frequency:

It is recommended to clean the nest boxes at least once a month or when you notice soiled bedding or broken eggs. Some people clean the nest boxes only once a year if their hens do not sleep in them. However, if your hens sleep in the nest boxes, it is important to clean them more frequently to prevent infections.

Daily Maintenance:

Each day, when collecting the eggs, remove any manure or urates from the nest boxes. Adding a handful of fresh shavings or straw to each box after collecting the eggs can also help maintain cleanliness.

Weekly Maintenance:

Once a week, clean out all the litter in the boxes and replace it with fresh shavings or straw. If you use straw bedding, you can simply stir it with a stick to aerate and fluff it up, reducing the need for a complete change.

Preventing Sleep in Nest Boxes:

It is generally recommended to prevent hens from sleeping in the nest boxes to reduce soiling and the risk of oviduct infections. If you find a hen in a nest box at bedtime, gently move her to the roost. Most hens will get the message after a few days. If a hen continues to sleep in the nest box, look for other underlying causes such as bullying or sickness.

Egg Breakage:

In the event of a broken egg in the nest box, it is important to clean and replace the soiled bedding to prevent infections and maintain hygiene. Consider placing a plastic tub or using a material like hemp in the nest box to make cleaning easier in case of egg breakage.

Frequently asked questions