How to Build a Laying Hen Box

A properly sized and built laying hen nesting box will increase the number of eggs that survive the laying process. The increased survival rate is due to proper cushioning, prevention of falls and reduction in egg eating behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Circular saw
  • 1-inch plywood
  • Drill
  • 1 1/2-inch wood screws
  • Hay
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure, mark and cut two pieces of 1-inch plywood that are12 inches long and 12 inches wide. These are the top and bottom of your laying box.

    • 2

      Measure, mark and cut three pieces of 1-inch plywood that are12 inches long and 9 inches wide. These are the sides and back of your laying box.

    • 3

      Measure, mark and cut two pieces of 1-inch plywood that are 2 inches wide and 7 inches tall. You will place these on the sides of the front of your box.

    • 4

      Measure, mark and cut one piece of 1-inch plywood that is 14 inches wide and 4 inches high. This is the bottom front of your box.

    • 5

      Arrange the sides, top and bottom of the laying hen box in a rectangle shape. Align the 12-inch edges. Secure the pieces together using 1½-inch wood screws at the corners of each intersection.

    • 6

      Center the back of your laying box on top of the rectangle. Secure the back at all four corners using wood screws. Flip the laying box on its back.

    • 7

      Position one of the 2-by-7-inch pieces of wood that you cut in Step 3 on the top right corner of your box in a vertical position. Align the top and right edge of the piece with the top and right edge of the box. Secure the 2-by-7-inch piece to the box using wood screws at all three corners.

    • 8

      Position the other 2-by-7-inch piece of wood that you cut in Step 3 on the top left corner of your box in a vertical position. Align the top and left edge of the piece with the top and left edge of the box. Secure the 2-by-7-inch piece to the box using wood screws at all three corners. This will narrow the entrance to the laying box, decreasing the amount of space where the hen can push the egg or hay out of the nest.

    • 9

      Position the 14-by-4-inch piece of wood that you cut in Step 4 on the bottom of the box in a horizontal position. Align the bottom and sides of the piece with the bottom and sides of the box. Secure the piece to the box using wood screws at all four corners. This board will create a lip at the bottom of the box that will reach 1 inch higher than the level of the hay and keep the hay and eggs from falling out of the box. The chicken will still be able to climb into the box by stepping over the lip.

    • 10

      Place 2 inches of hay bedding inside the laying box.