Laying Beds for Chickens

If you want your chickens to lay eggs, they need to have a place to lay the eggs. The "nesting box" or "laying bed" refers to the space in which hens lay eggs. It is not the same space where they roost or sleep, and it cannot be directly on the ground, although it can be within the hen house or chicken coop. For these reasons, many people build or buy laying beds for their chickens.

Things You'll Need

  • Boxes, buckets, or containers at least 12 cubic inches
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide how big you want each nesting box to be. Determine this by measuring the space available for your chickens and the size of your chickens. Each box needs to be at least big enough for one chicken to stand upright inside. Usually this is a 12 cubic feet. Chickens can share boxes, so they can be larger.

    • 2

      Purchase, find or construct the boxes. Home supply and farm supply stores sell ready-made nesting boxes as well as kits to build them. You can also use cardboard boxes or plastic containers. Just cut a door in each one large enough for chickens to fit through easily.

    • 3

      Place the nesting boxes in the appropriate space. Most nesting boxes can be easily attached to a chicken coop or a wall, or can be placed upright on the ground. Ideally, the nesting boxes should be at least a few inches off the ground. If you're using home-made boxes or cardboard boxes, the best way to set them up off the ground is to place them on top of cinderblocks or low shelves. Also, be sure they are placed below the roosting area (where the chickens sleep) or your chickens will sleep in the nesting boxes.

    • 4

      Place soft bedding inside the nesting boxes. This helps the chickens to feel comfortable laying eggs inside. Usually straw or wood shavings are used. This can also be purchased at farm or pet supply stores.