DIY: Chicken Nesting Boxes

Chickens "give birth" regularly through the year every one to two days on average, and more in the summer months. If you own one chicken or a whole flock, your chicken(s) will lay eggs regardless of whether you provide a place for it or not. If you want to find the eggs easily, you can build a place for the chickens to nest.

  1. Seclusion

    • Create a secluded spot. Like all animals, chickens naturally seek out spots that are sheltered and safe to have their babies. That is exactly what a chicken is doing when she lays eggs. In her mind she is starting a "clutch" of eggs to hatch out even if you come and raid the nest every morning for breakfast. Provide a nest box with high sides and a top so that your chickens can nest in peace without other birds running around or over them.

    Size

    • Build nesting boxes sized for the chickens. If the boxes are too small, the chickens will not feel comfortable, and if they are too big, they won't offer the seclusion desired. Overly large boxes can also promote group laying, which can crush eggs, encourage egg pecking and eating as chickens vie for space. It also can cause hens to pick on each other. Provide small, banty-sized chickens with nest boxes 8- to 12-inches square; medium-sized hens, such as Rhode Island Reds or Golden Comets with 12- to 14-inch square boxes; giant breeds, such as Brahmas and Jersey Giants, with boxes at least 15 inches square.

    Materials

    • Use steel, tin or wood. Commercial next boxes are usually made of stainless steel or tin. These are durable boxes and you can make your own out of similar materials, but be sure to pad them well with nesting materials, such as straw or shavings in the winter to compensate for the cold metal. Wood is a more common choice for a DIY nest box. It is easy to work with and cut to size and offers better insulation during colder months. Wood is harder to sanitize than metals so it is important to keep the nesting box clean and sanitize it as often as possible by washing thoroughly and letting it dry in the sun.