How to Build a Nesting Box for Chickens

Raising your own chickens is a way to always have fresh eggs. To do so effectively, you will need a good nesting box for a comfortable and safe nest. Building a nesting box for chickens is a straightforward task if you are handy with tools.This is a simple nesting box that can be done whether you have 1 or 50 chickens.

Things You'll Need

• Orange crate (or similar 12-inch square crates) Straw Hammer Nails Saw

Instructions

1. Take a crate. If you have a crate that has slats on the sides leaving 1- to 2-inch openings, take the hammer and remove the top slat on the front of the box. It is best to remove one or more slats to lower the front end, giving the chicken easy access to the nest.

2. Remove the front and saw it down to a 3-inch strip if your crate has solid sides. Take this strip and nail it back to the front of the crate.

3. Repeat the first two steps for the back of the crate. It is important to give your chickens easy front and back access to the nest while keeping the sides high to protect the eggs.

4. Place the straw along the bottom of the crate, creating enough of a cushion to protect the eggs but not let them roll out.

5. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 as needed for the number of chickens you have.

Tips & Warnings

• It is good to keep your nesting boxes at least 3 feet above the ground to prevent unwanted critters from getting to the eggs. However high you keep the nest, be sure that your chickens have easy access to it. Build a ladder or perch if needed. Keep perches in the coop higher than the nest because chickens will go to the highest point to perch. You can find most materials at a local hardware store, but if you're in a pinch, check local construction sites for items they are throwing out. This greatly reduces costs. Change your nesting straw every 3 to 5 weeks to keep the coop clean and your chickens healthy.