How to Make Homemade Chicken Nesting Boxes

If you've decided to keep just a couple of chickens, you might not want to go to the expense and trouble of building an elaborate hen house or chicken coop. Perhaps they will roost in the barn, or even in a garage, depending on your particular situation. There are several ways to create simple, homemade nesting boxes where your hens can roost and lay eggs. By recycling a few household items, you can save time and money.

Things You'll Need

  • 5-gallon bucket
  • Plywood
  • Nails
  • Wood glue
  • Saw
  • Hammer
Show More

Instructions

  1. Recyle a 5-Gallon Bucket

    • 1

      Cut a standard 5-gallon bucket in half lengthwise. This will give you two nesting boxes, using each half as a "box."

    • 2

      Clean the inside of the bucket thoroughly. Because it is a plastic surface, the nesting box will be easy to keep washed out and clean on a regular basis.

    • 3

      Nail the bucket half directly onto the wall, preferably into a wall joint or brace. Alternatively, nestle the bucket box securely on a shelf already on the wall. Make sure the shelf is deep enough to hold the bucket box securely as chickens move in and out of the box.

    • 4

      Fill your bucket box with dry wood shavings or straw. Replace the shavings or straw with fresh every couple of weeks, or if the shavings or straw gets wet.

    Homemade Plywood Nexting Box

    • 5

      Cut plywood into 5 boards that are each 12 inches by 12 inches. They will be put together to create a nesting box that is 12 feet wide and deep--a comfortable nesting size for a hen.

    • 6

      Nail or glue (with wood glue) the sides of the box to the bottom of the box. If using nails, be sure the nails are buried in the wood and do not stick out. If using wood glue, let each side dry thoroughly before adding on the next segment. For added security, you can use both glue and nails.

    • 7

      Nail the box directly onto the wall or set it on an existing shelf. Fill with straw or wood shavings. Change the straw or wood shavings every few weeks, or if they get wet.