Constructing Chicken Nesting Boxes: Repurpose Shipping Pallets

Building chicken nesting boxes is a fun DIY project that ensures your chickens have a safe, comfortable place to lay their eggs. Using old pallets to build nesting boxes is a great way to cut down on expenses and recycle old materials. You can use old pallet wood to construct a nesting box attachment for a chicken coop, or even build a portable chicken coop. This introduction will cover the benefits of building your own chicken nesting boxes, the materials you can use, and the steps involved in the building process.

Choosing pallets

When choosing pallets to build chicken nesting boxes, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, look for pallets made of sturdy wood that are in good condition. Avoid pallets with broken or splintered slats, as they may not be strong enough to support the weight of the nesting box and the chickens. You can often find free pallets at warehouses or construction sites, or you can purchase them from hardware stores.

It is important to select pallets that are the right size for your nesting boxes. Measure the space where you plan to place the nesting boxes and choose pallets that will fit comfortably in that area. Also, consider the size of your chickens; the pallets should be large enough to provide ample space for your chickens to move around comfortably.

Additionally, look for pallets that have similar thicknesses to create a uniform look for your nesting boxes. You can plane the pallets to equal thicknesses if needed. Pallets with thicker support pieces can also be cut down to be used as cleats or battens for assembling the nesting box.

When choosing pallets, consider the design and style you want for your nesting boxes. If you prefer a rustic look, you can use recycled pallets to create a charming, rustic henhouse design. You can also paint or varnish the pallets to match the aesthetic of your chicken coop or backyard space.

Lastly, ensure that the pallets you choose are safe for your chickens. Avoid pallets that have been treated with chemicals or pesticides, as they can be harmful to your chickens. Look for heat-treated pallets, which are typically marked with the initials "HT." These pallets are safe for use in your chicken nesting box project.

Deconstructing pallets

When deconstructing pallets, it is important to ensure that the wood is free of any nails or staples that could pose a safety hazard. It is also important to measure the thickness of the pallet slats to ensure that they are equal. This can be done using a tape measure. Planing the pallets to equal thicknesses will make it easier to create a framework for the nesting box.

Once the pallets have been deconstructed, you can begin to assemble the base of the nesting box. Lay out four pallet slats of the same size and ensure that they are squared up, with their edges level and aligned. Use a tape measure to mark the thickness of one pallet slat and draw a line to indicate where to attach the battens.

After the base has been constructed, the next step is to create the remaining framework. Measure the depth of the timber being used and cut the battens to the appropriate length. For a slanted roof, cut the battens at an angle and miter the tops of each side of the framework. Screw the battens into place and attach the remaining pallet slats on the outside to create a sturdy and weatherproof box.

Overall, deconstructing pallets is a crucial first step in building chicken nesting boxes out of pallets. By following these steps and ensuring that the wood is safe and the slats are equal in thickness, you can create a sturdy base and framework for your chicken nesting boxes.

Building the base

Preparing the Materials

Firstly, source sturdy pallets with ample timber to build the base and have some leftover for contingencies. Old pallets can be used, making the project almost free. Plan the pallets to achieve equal thicknesses, and deconstruct them using tools like a claw hammer and a flathead screwdriver.

Constructing the Base

Lay out four pallet slats of the same size, ensuring they are squared up with level and aligned edges. Measure the thickness of one pallet slat and mark this measurement on each side of the slats' top and bottom, then draw a line connecting these marks. This indicates where to attach the battens for a flush finish. Measure the total height of the four slats and subtract the slat thickness to determine the length of the battens needed for the sides.

Securing the Battens

Screw the battens into place along the marked lines. This will provide a stable base for the nesting box and ensure the sides are securely attached.

Stability and Support

For added stability, screw a piece of batten to the base of the chicken coop when installing the nesting box. This will help keep both floors level and provide support during installation. It is advisable to have assistance when fixing the nesting box in place to ensure it is securely attached.

With these steps, you'll have a solid and sturdy base for your chicken nesting box, ready for the next stages of construction.

Constructing the framework

Planning and Materials

Before beginning construction, it is important to plan the size and shape of your nesting box. You will need enough pallet wood for the sides, top, bottom, and back of the box. Old pallets can be used to construct the chicken coop, ensuring a rustic and cost-effective design. You will need tools such as a tape measure, a jigsaw, and a screwdriver.

Base Assembly

Start by assembling the base of the nesting box. Lay out four pallet slats of the same size, ensuring they are squared up with their edges level and aligned. Measure the thickness of one pallet slat and mark the corresponding measurements on each side, drawing a line to indicate where to attach the battens. Measure the height of the four slats together and subtract the thickness of one slat to get the length of the battens needed for the sides.

Framework Construction

Now, create the remaining framework to shape the nest box. Decide on the height of your nest box, keeping in mind that a slope from front to back can help with water runoff. Measure the depth of the timber being used and cut battens to size for both the front and rear framework. Mitre the tops of each side of the framework to allow for a flush roof.

Attaching the Framework

With the base and battens in place, attach the remaining pallet slats on the outside, creating a sturdy and weatherproof box. Use pocket hole screw joints to secure the slats and ensure a durable structure.

Roof and Final Touches

For the roof, cut cleats for the top, slanted edge, and screw them down at an angle to fit. Attach additional boards to form the roof, cutting them to size. You can also add a front and back board to contain the nesting material and eggs, with a gap under the backboard for easy clean-out. Finally, you can add a porch roost by allowing a cleat to extend beyond the front of the box and attaching it to the roof.

Finishing touches

Once you've constructed the framework of your chicken nesting box, there are several finishing touches you can add to personalise and complete your build.

Firstly, you may want to add a roof to your nesting box. To do this, cut two sets of pallet pieces to the same length for the sides and cut them at an angle for the slanted roof. This should be around 17.5 inches at the highest point and 11.5 inches at the lowest. Screw them into the sides of the box. Next, cut and screw down cleats for the top, slanted edge, angling the ends to fit. Then, screw down more boards to form the roof, cutting them to size.

You can also add a front and back board to keep the nesting material and eggs inside. Leave a gap under the backboard to help with cleaning. You can attach a porch roost by allowing the cleat to extend beyond the front of the box and attaching the roost to the overhang.

To fill in any gaps or nail holes, you can use beeswax. You may also want to apply a varnish finish to protect the wood.

Frequently asked questions