Building A Chicken Nest Box: Attaching To Hutch

Building a chicken nest box attached to a hutch is a great way to provide your chickens with a comfortable and safe space to lay their eggs. This project can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro in chicken farming. The process involves planning the design and gathering materials, constructing the frame, and adding essential features like ventilation holes, drainage holes, and a sloping lid for easy cleaning. You can also include exterior nesting boxes for convenient egg collection without disturbing the hens. By following step-by-step instructions and considering the space requirements for your flock, you can create a functional and durable nest box that suits your chicken coop setup.

Planning and materials

Space Planning

Firstly, you need to plan the space inside your hutch. Measure the available space, keeping in mind that you will also need room for roosting bars, feeders, and a walking area. A general rule is to have at least one nest box for every 3 to 5 laying hens. If you anticipate your flock growing, consider adding extra space now to avoid overcrowding later.

Location

Decide whether your nest box will be placed inside the hutch or if you can utilise outdoor space attached to it for additional room. If you opt for an external nest box, you can collect eggs without entering the hutch, which is more convenient and less stressful for both you and the chickens.

Egg Collection

Consider how often you plan to collect eggs. If you want to minimise the chance of hens eating their eggs, a roll-away nest box design is ideal. This allows eggs to roll into a separate, protected compartment, keeping them clean and reducing the risk of breakage or being pecked.

Climate

If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, consider nest boxes that offer insulation or ventilation to protect your chickens. Avoid putting any holes in the roof of the nest box, as this can cause dirt or water to enter. Instead, place the box in a sheltered location, and if it's outside, position it away from the cold wind.

Materials

For the construction of the nest box, you will need materials such as wood, screws, nails, and wood glue. The specific type and amount of wood will depend on the design and size of your nest box. You can refer to various online sources for detailed measurements and cutting instructions. Additionally, you will need bedding material such as straw, dried grass, or shredded paper to create a comfortable environment for your chickens and cushion the eggs.

Once you have planned the space, location, and functionality of your nest box, you can gather the required materials and proceed with the construction, following the specific design instructions of your choice.

Building the frame

Firstly, plan your design and gather your materials. You will need wood, a saw, safety gear, drill, screws, and wood glue. You may also want to use a wood framing clamp to make the process easier.

The frame will be a basic rectangle, with the dimensions depending on the size of your coop and the number of chickens you plan to house. A general rule is to have at least one nest box for every 4-5 laying hens, with each box measuring around 12 x 12 x 12 inches. Cut your wood to size, using the measurements from your design. Remember to wear safety gear when operating the saw.

Once you have your pieces cut to size, lay them out on a flat surface to form the frame of the nest box. Drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting, and then screw the pieces together to form a sturdy frame. You can also use wood glue for added strength.

If you are building a suspended nesting box, you will need to build a 2x4 frame to support the box. Drill pocket holes in the small boards at 1 1/2" deep, and use 2 1/2" screws to attach them.

Adding the roof

Now that you have the nesting boxes installed, you can build a roof for them. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Build a frame

First, you need to build a frame to attach your roofing panels to. Pocket hole the small boards 1 1/2" deep and use 2 1/2" screws along with wood glue to assemble.

Step 2: Attach the roofing panels

Add the roofing panels using the screws that are made for this type of panel. These screws have a gasket on them to keep water from getting in when you screw through the metal. Once the roofing panels are screwed down, use 2 1/2" roofing screws.

Step 3: Screw the cedar fence picket into place

Screw a 1x4 cedar fence picket into place. Screw it to the high ridges to give a flat surface to attach the hinges to.

Step 4: Avoid putting holes in the roof

Do not put any holes in the roof, as this can allow dirt to fall inside or cause water leakage into the nest. Instead, have a lid that slopes from the back to the entrance with a moderate overlap. Ensure this lid is hinged for easy cleaning once the hens have completed a breeding season.

Step 5: Choose a sheltered location

Choose a sheltered location within the coop to build your nesting box. If you put the nesting box outside, place it on the side that is least exposed to cold winds.

Attaching the box to the hutch

When attaching the nesting box to the hutch, there are several factors to consider. First, it is important to ensure that the nesting box is securely attached to the hutch to prevent any accidents or damage. This can be done using screws, nails, or adhesive, depending on the materials used for the hutch and nesting box. It is also important to consider the placement of the nesting box. The box should be placed in a sheltered location within the hutch, preferably on the side that does not face a cold wind if it is placed outdoors. Additionally, the nesting box should be raised a few inches above the ground to prevent damage and other environmental threats.

Another factor to consider is the size of the nesting box relative to the hutch. The nesting box should be large enough for the chickens to move comfortably, with enough space for bedding material and a ledge for the hens to step onto before entering the box. The number of nesting boxes will depend on the number of chickens, with a general rule of one nesting box for every 3 to 5 laying hens. The size of the hutch will also influence the size and number of nesting boxes that can be accommodated, taking into account the space needed for other features such as roosting bars, feeders, and walking areas.

When attaching the nesting box, it is also important to consider the design of the hutch and nesting box. For example, if the hutch has a roof, the nesting box should be positioned so that it does not interfere with the roofline. Additionally, if the nesting box has a lid or a hinged top for easy cleaning, ensure that it has a moderate overlap with the hutch to provide adequate shelter for the chickens.

The materials used for the nesting box and hutch should also be considered to ensure that they are compatible and can be securely attached. For example, if the hutch is made of wood, the nesting box can be attached using screws or nails. If the hutch is made of metal or plastic, other attachment methods such as adhesive or brackets may be more suitable.

Finally, it is important to consider the weight of the nesting box and ensure that the hutch can support it. If the nesting box is particularly heavy, additional bracing or support may be needed to ensure that it is securely attached to the hutch and does not cause any structural damage.

Making the box attractive to hens

To make your chicken nest box attractive to hens, you should consider the following:

Firstly, ensure the box is comfortable for the hens. You can add soft bedding, such as straw, sawdust, or carpet scraps, to make the box more inviting. Hens also require a certain amount of space to lay their eggs comfortably, so it is recommended to have at least one nest box for every 3-5 laying hens.

Secondly, the location of the chicken coop and nest box is crucial. Build the coop on high ground to avoid flooding and moisture buildup, and try to place it in a spot that gets sunlight, as this encourages egg-laying. Additionally, consider placing the coop close to your house or in a highly trafficked area to deter unwanted predators.

Thirdly, to make the box more functional and attractive to hens, you can implement a roll-away design. This design allows eggs to roll into a separate, protected compartment, keeping them clean and reducing the chances of breakage or the hens eating them. This type of design also makes egg collection more convenient and less stressful for both you and the hens.

Lastly, consider adding perches or roosting bars inside or near the coop. These should be placed higher than the nesting boxes to make them the most attractive sleeping spots for the hens. Additionally, ensure there is adequate ventilation in the coop to keep your flock comfortable, especially during hot summer months.

Frequently asked questions