DIY Poultry Nesting Box

Keeping chickens is one of the most economical ways to start on the road to self-sufficiency. Chickens are inexpensive to purchase, can obtain much of their own nutrition by roaming through the backyard, and many breeds will lay several eggs each week. Chickens don't require sophisticated places to lay their eggs, and will usually be happy with a simple homemade nesting box, provided they have enough warmth and privacy to feel secure. Use materials found around your home or at flea markets to keep the cost down when building nesting boxes.

Things You'll Need

  • Dish soap
  • 30-gallon cat litter bucket
  • Water
  • Sponge
  • ¼ cup bleach
  • Towel
  • Permanent marker
  • Utility knife
  • Straw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Squirt a small amount of dish soap into an empty 30-gallon cat litter bucket. Add water and wash thoroughly with a sponge. Rinse the bucket completely.

    • 2

      Mix 1/4 cup bleach and 2 1/2 cups water in a bowl or bucket. Wipe the empty litter bucket with a sponge dipped in the solution to sanitize it. Rinse the litter bucket with water and dry completely with a towel.

    • 3

      Draw a line horizontally across the bucket lid approximately three inches from the edge with a permanent marker. Cut along this line using a utility knife. Put the smaller piece of the lid onto the bucket

    • 4

      Turn the bucket onto its side, with the lid covering the bottom part of the bucket face. Fill the bottom of the bucket with straw. The lid covering will help keep the straw inside the bucket.