Mia Patel
Chicken nesting boxes are an essential part of any coop, providing a safe and private place for hens to lay eggs. The number of boxes you'll need depends on the size of your flock, with a minimum of two boxes recommended for every four to five hens. When it comes to bedding, straw, hay, hemp, wood shavings, and sand are all popular options. Some owners also add herbs for health benefits and to enhance their hens' egg-laying experience. To keep your hens happy and comfortable, it's important to ensure the boxes are clean, secure, and located away from high-traffic areas.
Characteristics and their values for what to put in a chicken nesting box
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of nesting boxes | One box per 4-5 hens, with a minimum of two boxes |
| Location | In a secluded spot in the coop, away from high-traffic areas; raised about 18 inches off the floor |
| Materials | Straw, hemp, aspen, sand, pine shavings, fake turf, paper, cardboard, wood shavings, pine pellets, oak and maple leaves, etc. |
| Other | Curtains, herbs, fake eggs, and potpourri |
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What You'll Learn
Sand or organic bedding material
When it comes to bedding material for chicken nesting boxes, there are several options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Two of the most popular options are sand and organic bedding materials.
Sand is a good option for chicken nesting boxes as it provides a cool surface for hens to rest on during hot weather. It is also a good cushion for eggs, preventing them from breaking when dropped from a height. Sand is also easy to clean, as it can be scooped out like a cat litter box. However, sand may not be as comfortable for hens as organic bedding materials, and they may choose to lay their eggs on organic materials if given the option. Additionally, sand can be too loose, and hens may kick it out of the nesting box, creating a mess.
Organic bedding materials, such as straw, hemp, aspen shavings, or shredded paper, are a popular choice for chicken nesting boxes. These materials provide a comfortable and cozy environment for hens to lay their eggs. Hens may also prefer to mould organic materials into their desired shape, which is not possible with sand. However, organic bedding materials can be kicked out of the nesting box by hens, creating a mess, especially if the lip of the box is not high enough.
Some people choose to use a combination of sand and organic bedding materials in their chicken nesting boxes. For example, using sand in the coop floor and organic materials in the nesting boxes can provide the benefits of both options while minimizing the mess created by kicking.
Ultimately, the choice between sand and organic bedding materials depends on various factors, such as the climate, the design of the nesting boxes, and the preferences of the hens. It may be necessary to experiment with different options to determine what works best for your specific situation.
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Fake eggs
There are various types of fake eggs that you can use. Unfinished wooden eggs are a popular option, as they have a nice weight and a realistic finish that chickens seem to find convincing. However, they can be hard to clean and may get impregnated with poop. Painted wooden eggs are easier to clean but may be pecked by chickens, causing paint to chip off. Plastic eggs are another option, but they are often too lightweight and may need to be filled with sand or rocks to weigh them down. Plastic eggs are also not very durable and may not be a good long-term solution. Ceramic eggs are the best long-term option as they are realistic, heavy, and easy to clean and disinfect.
In addition to fake eggs, golf balls can also be used to train chickens to lay in nesting boxes. However, some chickens may throw them out of the boxes. Real eggs can also be used, as long as you collect them at the end of the day and put them back in the boxes the next day.
It's important to note that even with fake eggs in the boxes, hens may still eat their eggs. Additionally, fake eggs may not fix the issue of hens favouring one nesting box over the others. To prevent this, ensure you have enough nesting boxes for your hens, keep the boxes clean, and provide a quiet and comfortable environment for laying.
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Herbs
Firstly, herbs can act as a natural insect repellent. Mites, lice, fleas, and flies are all pests that can be kept at bay by using herbs such as mint, catnip, marigolds, and calendula. Not only do these herbs repel insects, but they also provide a pop of colour and a pleasant fragrance to the coop. Dried blue cornflower, for instance, adds a surprising pop of blue-purple, while dried rose petals, though expensive, add a blush of pink or red.
Additionally, certain herbs possess anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, helping to reduce the risk of infections in your flock. Thyme, garlic, and peppermint are great examples of herbs with these beneficial properties. Furthermore, herbs such as chamomile, lavender, and spearmint are known for their calming properties, helping to reduce stress and promote egg-laying.
You can also use herbs to improve digestion and circulation. Cilantro, garlic, lavender, and marjoram are excellent choices for aiding blood circulation, especially important for broody hens that remain in their nests for extended periods.
When adding herbs to your chicken nesting boxes, it is recommended to use fresh herbs whenever possible as they contain essential oils that are more palatable to chickens. However, dried herbs are also an option, and you can even dry your own garden herbs in the oven. Simply set your oven to a low temperature, around 170°F, and prop the door open slightly to maintain an ideal drying temperature of 135°F-160°F.
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Astro turf squares
AstroTurf® Poultry Pads have been the Broiler Breeder Industry leader for over 40 years. Astro turf squares are a great alternative to traditional nesting box bedding. They are easy to clean and maintain, and can be used for years, making them a durable and reusable option.
To install astro turf squares in your chicken nesting box, you can purchase a few square feet of thick synthetic turf that is about 1.5" deep, very dense, and soft to the touch. This type of turf is commonly used on football fields and provides a deep and soft nesting material for your chickens.
When introducing astro turf to your nesting boxes, it is important to note that your hens may initially be hesitant to use it. To encourage them to make the switch, you can place wooden eggs in the centre of each nest and block off any alternate areas they may be nesting in. Additionally, if your hens are used to grass, you can place the astro turf pads outside with them so they can get familiar with the new material before bringing it into the house.
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$149.99 $159.99
Number of nesting boxes
The number of nesting boxes you should put in your chicken coop depends on the number of hens you have. It is recommended to have a minimum of two nesting boxes, with one box for every four to five hens. This will prevent them from trying to lay eggs in the same nesting box at the same time.
If you are just starting with a few laying hens, it is good to consider if you plan to expand your flock in the future. You can build your coop and the number of nesting boxes accordingly. It is important to ensure that the nesting boxes are the right size for your hens. They should be big enough for chickens to turn around in, but not too large, as this will make it difficult for the hens to feel cosy and secluded. Typically, a 12-inch square box is sufficient, while a 14-inch square box provides more room without being too big. For larger breeds, 14 to 16 inches is the best size.
If you are limited on space, you can try stacking the nesting boxes vertically or putting them on different sides of the coop. The nesting boxes can be placed on or close to the ground, but raising them about 18 inches off the floor will make it easier to gather eggs. It is important to note that chickens will seek the highest place possible to roost, so if the nesting boxes are too high, you may end up with chicken poop in them.
To make the most of your space, you can build nesting boxes that open from the back, allowing you to gather eggs without entering the coop. You can also attach them to the inside wall of the coop.
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Frequently asked questions
A chicken nesting box is a safe place for hens to lay their eggs. It should be located in a private, secluded spot in the coop to make the hens feel secure.
The number of nesting boxes you need depends on the number of hens you have. It is recommended to have a minimum of two nesting boxes for every four to five hens.
You can use repurposed materials such as scrap wood, old sinks, or buckets to build your nesting boxes. Ensure the materials are sturdy enough to hold the hens and easy to clean.
Inside the nesting box, you can use bedding materials such as straw, hay, hemp, wood shavings, or sand to create a comfortable environment for the hens. Some people also add herbs or fake eggs to encourage the hens to use the nesting boxes.
Place the nesting boxes in a secluded area of the coop that doesn't get much traffic. Ensure they are higher up than the roosting bars to keep the chickens warm in the winter and prevent chicken poop from getting into the boxes.
