Creating Happy Hens: A Guide to Chicken Nesting Boxes

Keeping your backyard chickens content and productive requires providing them with suitable nesting boxes. These boxes serve a dual purpose—egg laying and hatching. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essentials for constructing cozy nest boxes, choosing the right size, and ensuring your hens have everything they need to thrive.

The Importance of Chicken Nesting Boxes

To encourage your chickens to lay eggs where you want them to, it's crucial to create a welcoming environment in their nesting boxes. Here's what your hens need:

Safety First

Ensure the nesting boxes are secure and protected from predators and the weather. Hens need to feel safe while laying eggs.

Private Space

Choose a quiet, low-traffic area for nesting boxes to minimize disturbances. Chickens prefer a bit of privacy.

Peace and Quiet

Despite their vocal tendencies, chickens appreciate a tranquil place to lay their eggs.

Dim Lighting

While they need adequate light for egg production, hens prefer a dim environment in their nesting boxes. Consider adding curtains if your coop is too bright.

Chicken Nesting Box Size

The standard size for nesting boxes is a 12-inch cube (12x12x12 inches). Smaller breeds may require smaller boxes, while larger breeds might need more spacious accommodations.

Determining the Right Number of Nesting Boxes

To avoid issues like cracked eggs or hens not using the boxes, provide at least one nesting box for every four hens. Chickens can be quirky creatures, and having ample options reduces competition.

Elevating Your Nesting Boxes

Nesting boxes should be elevated off the ground by 1 1/2 to 2 feet. This elevation protects both your hens while nesting and their precious eggs.

Proper Box Height

Position nesting boxes lower than your highest roosting bars but higher than your lowest ones. Chickens have a hierarchy, and they tend to roost at the highest available spot. Avoid having them perch in the nesting boxes.

Materials for Chicken Nesting Boxes

You can get creative with materials for nesting boxes. Consider these features:

• Lips: Prevent eggs from rolling out or nesting material from falling with lip features.
• Ventilation: Ensure good airflow by adding ventilation holes if you use solid containers.
• Rear Hatch: Make egg collection easy with a rear hatch or opening.
• Aromatic Additions: Some chicken keepers use dried herbs in nesting boxes for odor control and a soothing scent.
• DIY or Buy: You can build your own nesting boxes from online plans, purchase pre-made ones, or recycle various containers like milk crates, buckets, or dresser drawers.
• Rollaway Nest Boxes: If you want eggs to roll out for easy collection, angle the box floor slightly and provide a catch tray.

Selecting Nesting Materials

For a comfortable nesting experience and clean eggs, add nesting materials to your boxes. Options include:

• Nesting Pads: Easy-to-clean pads.
• Sand, Wood Shavings, Straw, Hay: Traditional choices for a soft landing pad.
• Shredded Paper: Use black and white print newspaper (avoid shiny ads or colored paper).
• Pine Needles: A natural option for nesting material.

The Joy of Backyard Chickens

Collecting eggs from your nesting boxes is a daily delight. The anticipation of what you'll find, the colors of the eggs, and the occasional hen on the nest make every trip to the coop an exciting experience. Cherish your happy hens and the bounty of fresh eggs they provide!