When building a new home for your chickens, it is crucial to pay careful attention to the nesting boxes where your hens will lay their eggs. Chickens are (quite rightly!) incredibly fussy about where they lay, and if conditions aren’t perfect, they’ll pick a spot elsewhere or stop laying altogether.
Luckily, there are some purpose-made nesting boxes for chickens available to purchase. Alternatively, if you’re feeling creative, we’ve also got some simple yet effective DIY chicken nest box ideas.
6 Best Nesting Boxes for Chickens
OK, so now you know what you’re looking for, here are some great nesting box options to choose from:
Pitalok Plastic Nesting Box with Washable Nesting Pad
This single-compartment plastic box is lightweight, waterproof, and comes with a washable nesting pad, making it extremely hygienic and low-maintenance. It has a front lip to keep bedding in, ventilation holes, and a sloped roof to prevent perching.
- Pros: Easy to clean, well-ventilated, durable plastic
- Cons: Need to buy multiple boxes for larger flocks
- Ideal for: First-time keepers with a small flock
Holymus 3-Compartment Nesting Box with Metal Legs
A free-standing metal nesting box with three roomy compartments and a sloped roof. Made from galvanized steel, this nest box is easy to clean and suitable for larger flocks.
- Pros: Durable build, roll-away egg trays, raised off the floor
- Cons: No back panel, so it must be placed against a wall
- Ideal for: Medium to large flocks needing shared space
Petsfit All-Weather PVC and Natural Wood Chicken Nesting Box with Privacy Back Panel
This wall-mountable box is made from natural wood and PVC and includes a privacy back panel, a sloped roof, and a practical front lip.
- Pros: Private and cozy
- Cons: Wood components may require regular weatherproof treatment
- Ideal for: Chicken keepers who want an attractive farmhouse style
Little Giant Single Plastic Nest Box with Perch
A tough, single molded-plastic nesting box that’s both simple and functional. The integrated bottom perch helps hens enter easily, while the smooth, rounded interior makes cleaning easy.
- Pros: Durable, space-efficient, resistant to mites
- Cons: No built-in nesting pad or curtain for privacy
- Ideal for: Small coops or sheltered outdoor nesting areas
Earthson Durable Freestanding Nesting Box
This single-compartment nesting box is made from wood and plastic, offering a balance between durability and insulation. The sloped roof prevents perching, and the smooth surfaces make cleaning easier.
- Pros: Easy access for cleaning and collecting
- Cons: Must be mounted on or against a wall
- Ideal for: Smaller chicken breeds or bantams
Heavy Duty Galvanized Chicken Nesting Box
This commercial-style galvanized steel box is built for durability. It can be wall-mounted to save space, and each compartment includes a front lip to keep bedding and eggs inside.
- Pros: Extremely sturdy, built for long-term use
- Cons: Not as cozy or private as some other designs
- Ideal for: Large flocks
Creative DIY & upcycled nesting box ideas
Looking to save money or repurpose materials? Chickens just want a safe spot to lay, so if it’s dark, comfortable, and snug, they’ll likely use it. Here are some clever nesting box ideas that work just as well as store-bought versions:
1. DIY wooden nesting box
If you’re handy with power tools, wooden nesting boxes are an easy project that costs very little to put together. There are plenty of DIY plans available online, or create your own design based on our essential criteria above.
2. 5-gallon bucket nesting box
I love this simple nesting box idea! Lay a 5-gallon bucket on its side and screw it onto a wall or wooden frame. Place a board or brick in front to prevent bedding from falling out, and you’ve got a simple yet effective nesting box.
3. Covered cat litter boxes
A covered cat litter box provides the perfect private spot for hens to lay their eggs. Switch the entrance door for privacy curtains and drill small holes for ventilation.
4. Wooden crates
We’ve been using wooden crates for nesting boxes for years, and they work really well. Turn them on their side, add a base and front lip, and you’ve got a snuggly nest that hens will line up to use.
5. Large flower pots
Tip large clay or plastic flower pots on their side and hold in place with bricks. You might need to improvise a front lip to stop bedding from falling out.
6. Metal filing cabinets
If you want an industrial-quality nesting box at a fraction of the price, consider upcycling a metal filing cabinet. Simply remove the drawers, lay it on its side, and fill the empty slots with bedding.
7. Wooden drawers
Old wooden drawers can be lined with bedding to create a cozy nesting box, but you’ll need to improvise a roof to create privacy. Larger wooden drawers are ideal for broody hens and rearing chicks.
What Makes a Nesting Box ‘Just Right’ for Chickens
First, let’s investigate what makes the perfect nesting box for chickens:
Structure
A good nesting box is a three-sided box with a roof and base. The side walls provide privacy and block drafts, while the base supports the bedding and eggs. The roof, ideally slanted to discourage perching, creates darkness. A 2-3 inch lip along the front holds in bedding and prevents eggs from rolling out, and curtains (not essential but cute!) give extra privacy.
Size
Nesting boxes should be around 12” x 12” x 12” for most standard breeds. Larger hens may prefer 14” boxes, and bantams can use smaller ones.
Material
Wood, plastic, or metal all work well for nesting boxes, as long as they’re smooth, sturdy, and easy to clean. Removable panels or hinged lids can make egg collection and cleaning much simpler.
Location
Nest boxes should be installed in the darkest, quietest part of the coop, away from high-traffic areas and feeders. Raise them about 18 inches off the ground, but keep them lower than the roosts to discourage your hens from sleeping in them.
Quantity
You don’t need a box for every hen. One box per 3–4 hens is typically enough, and you’ll often find that they all want to lay in the same box anyway!
