3 Must-Try DIY Nesting Box Ideas for Your Chickens (Easy & Affordable!)

Raising chickens requires a few essential elements to ensure they stay healthy and productive.

One of the most important features of a chicken coop is the nesting box (a private and comfortable space for hens to lay eggs).

While you can buy pre-made nesting boxes, DIY options not only save you money but also allow you to create boxes tailored to your space and needs.

In this article, we’ll explore three popular and easy-to-build DIY nesting box ideas using materials like repurposed milk crates, five-gallon buckets, and scrap lumber.

Whether you’re just starting with chickens or looking to upgrade your current setup, these creative solutions will help you create functional, affordable nesting boxes that your hens will love!

1. Repurposed Milk Crate Nesting Boxes

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Milk crate nesting boxes are a simple and affordable way to create a space for chickens to lay their eggs. These crates are sturdy, easy to clean, and can be repurposed from materials you might already have.

Materials Needed:

• Plastic milk crates (or similar-sized crates)
• Scrap wood (for building a frame)
• Hinges (for a hinged lid, optional)
• Wood or thick rubber (to cover any holes in the bottom of the crate)
• Screws or nails
• Wooden boards (to create a lip that stops eggs from rolling out)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Crates

Start by making sure your milk crate is clean and ready to use. If the crate has holes in the bottom, cut a piece of wood or thick rubber to fit over them.

Secure this piece with nails or screws, so the bottom is solid and comfortable for the hens.

Step 2: Build the Frame

Next, build a wooden frame to hold the crates in place. Cut 4 pieces of scrap wood that will fit around each crate (for example, if the crate is 12×12 inches, cut the wood to match that size).

Nail or screw these pieces together to form a box around each crate. This will help keep the crate stable and provide a base for the next step.

Step 3: Add More Crates

If you want to stack crates, build additional frames in the same way as the first. Stack them on top of each other, making sure each crate is stable and secure.

You can build a frame that holds multiple crates, so your chickens have enough nesting space.

Step 4: Create a Lip at the Front

To prevent eggs from rolling out, attach a small lip at the front of each crate. Cut a piece of scrap wood about 3-4 inches wide and nail it to the front of the frame. This lip will help keep the eggs safe inside.

Step 5: Attach a Hinged Lid (Optional)

If you want easier access for cleaning and egg collection, add a hinged lid. Cut a piece of wood that fits over the top of the crate frame and attach it with hinges.

Make sure the lid closes at an angle, which will help stop chickens from roosting on top.

Step 6: Set Up in the Coop

Place the completed nesting boxes in the coop. You can either place them directly on the ground or raise them slightly on a platform to make cleaning easier.

Fill the crates with soft bedding like straw or hay to make the space comfortable for the hens.

Why Choose Milk Crates?

Milk crates are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. They allow for good air circulation and are an affordable solution for creating nesting boxes.

You can customize the setup based on your coop’s space and the number of chickens you have.

Maintenance Tips: Wash the milk crates with soap and water when needed. If you've added a hinged lid, it's easy to remove and clean the crates thoroughly.

2. DIY Five-Gallon Bucket Nesting Boxes

Five-gallon buckets are a simple and inexpensive option for creating nesting boxes. These buckets are easy to find, provide enough space for hens to lay eggs, and are very easy to clean.

Materials Needed:

• Clean five-gallon buckets (make sure they’ve never contained harmful chemicals)
• A stable base or platform (an old table, a simple wooden frame, or another sturdy surface)
• Scrap wood (for making a lip to keep eggs from rolling out)
• Screws or nails
• Bedding (straw, wood shavings, or nesting pads)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Buckets

Make sure your five-gallon buckets are clean. Rinse them out thoroughly if needed. You don’t want any residue from previous use, so ensure they’re safe for your hens.

Step 2: Add a Lip to the Bucket

Cut a piece of scrap wood to fit the opening of each bucket. This will be the lip that keeps bedding and eggs inside the bucket.

You can also use a section of a cut-down bucket lid for this. Attach the lip to the front of the bucket with screws or nails, making sure it’s secure.

Step 3: Build a Base for the Buckets

Now, create a stable base or platform to hold the buckets. You can use an old table, build a wooden frame, or simply place the buckets on the ground if it’s level.

If you’re using wood, cut 4 pieces to form a rectangle that will hold the number of buckets you plan to use. Secure the pieces together with screws or nails.

Step 4: Secure the Buckets to the Base

Place the buckets on the base and make sure they are stable. To prevent them from tipping over, attach each bucket to the base with screws or brackets. You don’t want the buckets to move around when the hens jump in.

Step 5: Add Bedding

Once the buckets are in place, add soft bedding like straw or wood shavings to the bottom of each one. This will make it comfortable for the hens to lay their eggs and will also help absorb moisture and odors.

Step 6: Set Up in the Coop

Place your new bucket nesting boxes in a quiet, private area of the chicken coop. If you’ve raised the buckets off the ground, it will make cleaning easier. Make sure the buckets are easily accessible to the hens.

Why Choose Five-Gallon Buckets?

Five-gallon buckets are affordable, durable, and provide a perfect size for laying hens. They’re easy to clean, and you can find them almost anywhere. Plus, buckets are waterproof, so they won’t get damaged by moisture.

Maintenance Tips: Buckets can be wiped down or hosed out when cleaning is needed. Be sure to check that the lip is still secure and that the buckets remain stable.

3. Wooden Nesting Boxes from Scrap Lumber

Wooden nesting boxes offer a customizable, durable option for creating a comfortable space for hens to lay their eggs.

These boxes are ideal if you have access to scrap lumber and want to build a more permanent, sturdy solution for your chickens.

Materials Needed:

• Scrap lumber (reclaimed wood from old furniture, pallets, or leftover building materials)
• Nails or screws
• Wood glue (optional, for added stability)
• Sheet metal (optional, for weather protection if boxes are outdoors)
• Hinges (optional, for a hinged lid)
• Soft bedding (straw, wood shavings, or hay)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Lumber

Start by measuring the space you need for each nesting box. A good standard size is around 12×12 inches, but you can adjust based on the size of your chickens. Larger breeds may need boxes up to 18×18 inches.

Cut the scrap lumber into pieces for the base, back, sides, and top of each box. For example:

• The base piece should be the size of the nesting box floor (12×12 inches or 16×16 inches, depending on your measurements).
• The back piece should be the same length as the base but the height you want for the box (typically 12 inches).
• The side pieces should be the same height as the back, but the length will match the width of the base (12 inches wide for a 12×12 box).

Step 2: Assemble the Box

Using nails or screws, assemble the base, back, and side pieces into a square or rectangular box shape. If you're using wood glue, apply it to the edges of the wood before screwing or nailing them together to add extra strength.

Step 3: Add a Roof (Optional)

To keep the nesting boxes dry, especially if they are located outdoors, attach a sloped roof using scrap lumber or sheet metal.

This will protect the boxes from rain and keep the wood from rotting. The roof should be slightly overhanging to direct water away from the box.

Step 4: Create a Lip at the Front

Attach a lip or ledge across the front of the box, about 3-4 inches wide, to prevent bedding from spilling out and eggs from rolling away. You can simply use a piece of scrap wood, cut to the length of the box, and nail it into place.

Step 5: Attach a Hinged Lid (Optional)

For easy cleaning and egg collection, you can add a hinged lid to the top of the box. This will allow you to open the box and collect eggs without disturbing the hens.

Attach the lid using hinges, and make sure it closes tightly to prevent dust and debris from getting inside.

Step 6: Place the Boxes in the Coop

Once the boxes are assembled, place them in your chicken coop. You can either place them directly on the ground or raise them off the floor by building a small wooden stand.

Raise them around 18-24 inches off the ground to keep the bedding clean and make cleaning easier.

Why Choose Wooden Nesting Boxes?

Wooden boxes are highly customizable and provide a sturdy, long-lasting solution for your hens. By building your own boxes, you can adjust the size and design to fit your coop’s specific needs and your flock’s size.

Maintenance Tips: If the boxes are outdoors, make sure the wood is sealed or covered with a metal roof to prevent weather damage. Clean the boxes occasionally with a scrub brush and water to remove any build-up.

Bedding Options for Nesting Boxes

Bedding in nesting boxes is essential for comfort, cleanliness, and egg protection. The right bedding will keep your hens happy and help absorb moisture, while also keeping the eggs clean.

There are several options to choose from, depending on what’s available and what works best for your chickens.

1. Straw

Straw is a popular choice for nesting boxes because it’s soft, affordable, and absorbent. It provides a comfortable surface for the hens and helps keep the eggs clean. Straw also holds up well, even with frequent use, making it a good option for active hens.

2. Hay

Hay is similar to straw but is more fragrant and may be more expensive. While it’s not as durable as straw, it can still provide a cozy and comfortable environment for the hens.

However, hay tends to get dirty quickly, so it may require more frequent changing.

3. Wood Shavings

Wood shavings, such as pine or cedar, are another common bedding choice. They are absorbent, help control odors, and are easy to clean. However, make sure the shavings are dust-free, as fine dust can irritate chickens' respiratory systems.

4. Hemp Bedding

Hemp bedding is a newer option that’s gaining popularity. It’s biodegradable, absorbent, and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. It also helps control odors and is generally easier to clean than straw or hay.

5. Nesting Pads

Nesting pads are specially designed for use in nesting boxes. They are often made from absorbent materials and are washable and reusable.

These pads provide a consistent, comfortable surface for laying and can be a great low-maintenance option.

How to Keep Your Chicken Nesting Boxes Clean and Comfortable

Line the Bottom of the Box

Once you've chosen your bedding, fill the bottom of each nesting box with about 3-4 inches of material.

This depth will give your hens enough cushioning for comfort and egg protection. You can mix different bedding materials if you want to take advantage of their various benefits.

Keep the Bedding Fresh

Make sure to replace soiled bedding regularly. Chickens can be picky about where they lay eggs, so fresh, clean bedding will encourage them to use the boxes.

You should aim to clean and replace the bedding every 1-2 weeks, depending on how many chickens you have.

Watch for Odor Build-up

If the bedding starts to smell, it’s a sign it needs to be changed. You can also sprinkle a little diatomaceous earth or a safe odor-neutralizing product into the bedding to help control odors.

Line Boxes with Non-Stick Material

Some people line their nesting boxes with non-stick material like plastic sheeting or vinyl. This helps to prevent bedding from sticking to the box, making it easier to clean.

Regular Inspections

Make it a habit to inspect the nesting boxes every week. Look for signs of dampness or soiling and replace the bedding as needed.

Keeping the nesting area dry is essential to prevent bacteria growth and other health issues for your hens.

How to Position Nesting Boxes in the Coop

When setting up your DIY nesting boxes in the coop, it’s important to choose a quiet and private spot. Chickens prefer peace and quiet when laying eggs, so avoid placing the boxes in areas with heavy foot traffic or too much noise.

A corner of the coop, away from feeding areas, is usually the best location.

Make sure the boxes are easily accessible for the hens, but not too low to the ground. Ideally, position the nesting boxes about 18-24 inches off the ground.

This helps keep the bedding clean and makes it easier for you to collect eggs without bending over too much.

The right placement will encourage hens to use the boxes. If the nesting boxes are too high or hard to reach, your hens may avoid them.

Placing them at a comfortable height helps prevent the chickens from laying eggs in other, less ideal spots around the coop.

When to Replace or Update Nesting Boxes

Even the best-built nesting boxes will need replacing eventually. Here are a few signs it’s time for an upgrade:

• The wood is beginning to rot or break down.
• The boxes are too small for your growing flock.
• The boxes no longer hold bedding well or are difficult to clean.

In these cases, it’s best to rebuild or replace the boxes to ensure your chickens continue to have a safe and comfortable place to lay eggs.

Create the Perfect Nesting Boxes for Happy, Healthy Hens

Building your own nesting boxes can save you money and give you the flexibility to create the perfect environment for your chickens.

Whether you go with a simple milk crate setup or build custom wooden boxes, providing a dedicated space for egg-laying is crucial for your flock’s well-being.

Keep your boxes clean, provide comfortable bedding, and position them properly in the coop to ensure your hens are happy and productive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use any type of crate for a nesting box?

Not all crates are suitable for nesting boxes. It’s best to use sturdy plastic or wooden crates that provide a comfortable space for your hens. Avoid crates with sharp edges or small holes that could make it difficult for the hens to sit comfortably. Milk crates are commonly used due to their durability and size, but other crates with similar dimensions can work too, as long as they are safe and secure.

2. How often should I clean the nesting boxes?

Cleaning frequency depends on the number of hens you have and how often they use the boxes. Generally, you should check the boxes at least once a week. Replace soiled bedding and remove any wet or dirty material to maintain a clean environment. If you notice a strong odor or the bedding looks heavily soiled, it’s time to clean the boxes and replace the bedding.

3. Can I use more than one type of DIY nesting box in the same coop?

Yes, mixing different types of DIY nesting boxes in the same coop is perfectly fine. Chickens can be picky about where they lay eggs, and some might prefer one type of box over another. Having a variety of options, such as milk crates, buckets, and wooden boxes, can help ensure that all of your hens have a suitable place to lay.

4. How do I prevent hens from fighting over nesting boxes?

To minimize squabbles over nesting boxes, ensure you have enough boxes for your hens. A general rule of thumb is to have one nesting box for every 3-4 hens. Place the boxes in a quiet, private area of the coop to reduce stress and encourage hens to use them. If you have a large flock, consider adding more boxes or creating multiple levels to give hens more space.

5. Are there any risks to using scrap lumber for building nesting boxes?

Using scrap lumber is generally safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure the wood is untreated, as pressure-treated wood may contain harmful chemicals. Also, ensure the wood is free from sharp edges that could harm the hens. If the boxes are kept outdoors, consider protecting the wood with a roof or weatherproof sealant to prevent rotting.