If you’re looking for the best chicken nesting boxes for your chickens, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can go for simple, cost-effective choices that get the job done without breaking the bank.
On the other hand, there are also fancier and more expensive nesting boxes that offer extra features and comfort for your hens. Whether you’re looking to save money or invest a little more, there’s a perfect nesting box out there for every chicken owner.
Chicken Nesting Boxes
When I started keeping chickens, I would have never dreamed of having a large flock of over 100 chickens. Having started our journey with just a few laying hens, my coop setup has evolved over time.
I’ve tried a lot of different nesting box options and found pros and cons with each of them. Let’s take a look at some of the best options out there for nesting boxes from the inexpensive ones to the pricey models.
Why Do Chickens Need a Nesting Box?
Chickens need nesting boxes because they like to lay their eggs in quiet, dark places that are hidden from view. If you don’t give them nesting boxes, they’ll find their own secret spots, and those eggs can be really hard to find. I’ve come across a random nest of 40 eggs more times than I can count and it’s always so frustrating.
Nesting boxes help meet a chicken’s need for a safe place and secure environment making them feel comfortable and secure when laying their eggs.
Plus, it makes egg collection much easier. So, having good nesting boxes is a win-win for both chicken keepers and their chickens. Learn more about chicken nesting habits.
Milk Crates
We’ve always had access to milk crates for free. They’re great to have on hand for so many different things on the homestead. Since we hold on to everything around here milk creates were our first choice for nesting boxes.
They actually make great nesting boxes because you can easily stack them on top of each other saving space in the coop. They also have plenty of built-in drainage.
They’re inexpensive and lightweight, making them easy to move around and set up. They’re also easy to clean, which helps keep your chickens healthy.
However, there are a few downsides to consider. Milk crates might not be as cozy for your chickens as traditional nesting boxes, and they might need some nesting material to make them comfortable.
Also, because they have holes in the sides, bedding like wood shavings can fall out, making a mess.
I’ve also had problems with my chickens knocking them over and breaking all the eggs that were in them. You might have to consider securing them to a wall of the coop.
Overall they’re an easy-to-find, inexpensive option for chicken nesting boxes.
Buckets
Using buckets as nesting boxes for your chickens is another smart, cost-effective idea. They’re deeper than milk crates, giving your chickens more space to settle in.
You can even mount them to the wall in the coop, but you’ll need to make sure they’re supported well so they don’t fall. Make sure to drill a hole in the bottom of the bucket for drainage, so it doesn’t get all wet inside.
Also, use bucket lids to help keep the nesting materials inside. Just cut away about two-thirds of the lid so your chickens can easily get in and out.
However, there are some downsides to using buckets. The eggs just sit in the bottom, and chickens can easily kick out the nesting materials, which means you’ll need to keep replacing them. I suggest using nest liners if you’re going to go with buckets.
Plus, chickens might step on the eggs in the bucket, which can lead to dirty eggs some getting crushed. Despite these cons, buckets can still make decent nesting boxes if you’re on a budget.
Rubbermaid Containers, Wash Basins, Etc..
Using Rubbermaid containers, washbasins, and similar items as nesting boxes can work great, but there are a few things to consider.
These types of nesting boxes usually sit at floor level, which can attract things like snakes and rats to the eggs. Chickens also prefer a cozy nest higher up when laying eggs, so they might not like these as much.
Plus, when the nesting boxes are on the ground, the chickens are more likely to step on and break the eggs accidentally while egg laying.
Even though these containers can be a cheap and easy solution, they come with some drawbacks you need to think about.
Wooden Boxes
Wooden laying boxes for chickens are a great option because they’re super durable and you can customize them to the right size to fit your coop perfectly. They’re also good at staying insulated in the winter, which helps keep the eggs from freezing.
However, there are some downsides to wooden nesting boxes. They can develop mold and rot if the bedding materials get wet, which means you have to keep them dry and clean. They are also more permanently mounted and bulky, so they take up more room in your coop.
You also run into the problem of the eggs getting stepped on and broken, or dirty. Broken eggs will mean that your chickens are more likely to egg-eat. Once they figure out that the egg yolk is tasty, they’ll soon be cracking eggs to get to it.
These types of nesting boxes also encourage broody behavior. If broody hens can see serval eggs sitting in a nesting box and will be more drawn to want to sit in them. This creates an overcrowding problem in the coop area.
Plus, they usually cost more than other options.
If you’re looking for something sturdy and cozy for your chickens, wooden nesting boxes are worth considering.
*This post may contain affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.*
Roll Out Chicken Nesting Boxes
Roll-out nesting boxes are a fantastic option for your chickens because they help to give you clean eggs. When a hen lays an egg, it rolls out from underneath her into an egg tray, which means the eggs are less likely to be broken or eaten by the hen. This makes for easy cleaning before eating them because they stay much cleaner in roll-out nesting boxes.
Another great thing about roll-out nesting boxes is that they discourage broody behavior since the eggs aren’t just sitting in the nesting boxes. They’re also pretty compact which is great for backyard chickens in a small coop.
Overall, they’re a smart choice for keeping your eggs cleaner, safe, and tidy.
The BEST Chicken Nesting Box
After years of owning chickens and selling eggs locally, I decided my nesting boxes needed an upgrade. The reasons I felt that a nice box was worth the investment are:
- The eggs were very dirty. After a rain, the eggs would be completely muddy. This makes it hard to keep from washing eggs which decreases their shelf life.
- The eggs would frequently get broken in the buckets. I often found broken eggs which left a sticky mess in my nesting boxes. I’d have to change the nesting materials. On more than one occasion it attracted flies and ants.
- My hens were always broody. They’d occupy the buckets not letting other hens come in and lay. It seemed like I could never get enough boxes to give everyone enough space.
- Nesting materials were an added cost to my egg budget. With feed prices continually on the rise, this was just one more expense.
I knew that I wanted something that didn’t take up much space, was durable, and would keep the eggs safe and clean.
HenGear Rollout Nest Boxes
I came across this nesting box from a family-owned company, and read the reviews.
Another reason I liked the nesting box was because it was reversible. It had easy access to the collection area from the exterior of the coop which is the best way to gather them with our coop setup. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been pecked by a broody hen.
The nesting box needed to be assembled. It wasn’t very easy to do, but not impossible. I let my husband handle that part. Depending you your skill level, you may need another person to help you out.
After assembly, it was easy to install in our coop. It’s also a colonial-style nesting box which means it doesn’t have dividers. My chickens enjoy this part of the box and it allows the box to hold more chickens.
The nesting box is lined with a turf-like nest pad that cushions the eggs to prevent breakage while also keeping them safe. These easy-to-clean nesting pads are made from a soft material and can be easily removed for cleaning too.
It also comes with curtains to create a dark, cozy place for the chickens.
I purchased this nesting box a while back and have been using it consistently for several months. I wanted to be sure it was a quality product and worth the investment before sharing it. .
If you decide to buy this nesting box, you can use my code: LMF15 for $15 off.
Cons to the nesting box
It is a metal nesting box so it can get cold in the winter if you live in a cooler climate. I don’t have the problem of frozen eggs where I live, but this nesting box may not protect the eggs if it gets cold.
Also, I’ve found that I needed a much larger box than the number of chickens recommended on the website. I ordered a medium box for 54 chickens since not all of my older hens lay consistently.
This size was way too small for my flock. Size up on the box size if you’re able to.
This box is also an investment. Homesteads already run on a tight budget, so this can be a stretch for many families. Most of the other options I mentioned in this post are much more affordable.
Since I do sell my eggs locally to help cover feed costs, I felt like it was an investment that would pay off in convenience over time.
Overall my eggs are very clean, easy to collect, and intact vs frequently having broken eggs.
I’m so glad I purchased the nesting box, and it’s been well worth the investment!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Nesting Boxes
How many nesting boxes do I need for my chickens?
A general rule of thumb is one nesting box for every 3-4 hens. This gives them enough space and keeps them from fighting over boxes.
What should I use for bedding in the nesting boxes?
You can use straw, hay, pine shavings, or shredded paper. Just make sure it’s clean and dry to keep your chickens happy and healthy.
Where should I place the nesting boxes in the coop?
Put them in a quiet, dark, and private area of the coop. Chickens like to lay their eggs in places where they feel safe and hidden.
What are the benefits of roll-out nesting boxes?
Roll-out nesting boxes keep the eggs clean and safe by allowing them to roll out from under the hen. This helps prevent eggs from being broken or eaten and makes cleaning the eggs easier.
Do I need to mount the nesting boxes off the ground?
It’s a good idea because chickens prefer to lay eggs higher up. It also helps keep the eggs safe from ground predators like snakes and rats.
What should I do if my chickens aren’t using the nesting boxes?
Make sure the boxes are in a quiet, private spot and that there’s enough bedding. You can also try putting a fake egg or golf ball in the box to encourage them to lay there.
How can I keep the eggs from freezing in the winter?
Wooden nesting boxes are good at staying insulated, but you can also check the boxes more frequently to collect eggs before they freeze. Read more about heating a chicken coop without electricity.
What are the pros and cons of wooden nesting boxes?
Wooden boxes are durable and customizable, and they stay insulated in winter. However, they can mold and rot if they get wet, they take up more room, and they usually cost more.
Final Thoughts On The Best Chicken Nesting Boxes
No matter which type of nesting box you choose, the best one is the one that keeps your chickens happy and your eggs safe. From budget-friendly options like milk crates and buckets to more expensive wooden or roll-out boxes, there’s a nesting box out there for everyone
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Chickens are small animals so how much space could they need? You’ll need to take a few things into account before you decide on the space you’ll need for your birds. Here are several considerations.
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