How to Build a Hen Nest

Example of hens in front of nesting box.

You can build a hen nest out of a five-gallon bucket. A bucket nest can provide a hen with a private, comfortable, sheltered and sanitary space where the hen can lay eggs for human consumption or sit on a clutch of eggs for incubation. A bucket and a few simple tools are all that you need to construct this type of hen nest, and the bucket can be painted or decorated to improve the looks of the nest.

Things You'll Need

• Five-gallon bucket
• Tape measure
• Eight-foot-long two-inch-by-four-inch board
• Six three-inch nails
• Straw

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of a five-gallon bucket using a tape measure, and then add a half inch to the length.

2. Cut two two-inch-by-four-inch boards to the length and width measurements of the bucket.

3. Place the bucket on its side on the floor of the area housing the hen. Lay the boards around the bucket, making sure the four-inch width of the boards are vertical. Nail the boards together, so that the bucket is framed by the boards.

4. Fill the bucket with four inches of nesting material such as straw and place it in the area housing the hen.

Tips & Warnings

• The frame around the bucket should be tight enough to hold the bucket in place.

Resources

• Bucket Nests