Best Nesting Boxes for Chickens

Types of Chicken Nesting Boxes

There are three main nesting box styles, each suited to different priorities:

1. Metal (Galvanized Steel) Boxes

The most durable and hygienic option. Metal boxes resist mites (they cannot burrow into steel the way they can into wood), clean easily with a hose and brush, and last 10-20 years. The main downside is that they conduct cold in winter, which can be managed with extra bedding.

2. Wooden Boxes

The traditional choice. Wood provides natural insulation and a familiar, dark environment that hens prefer for laying. However, untreated wood can harbor red mites in the crevices and requires more frequent cleaning. Choose furniture-grade plywood or cedar for best results.

3. Roll-Out Boxes

A sloped floor gently rolls eggs into a protected collection tray as soon as they are laid. This prevents hens from sitting on, pecking, or soiling the eggs. Roll-out boxes produce the cleanest eggs with the lowest breakage rate, making them ideal if you sell eggs or have egg-eating hens.

How Many Nesting Boxes Do You Need?

The standard ratio is 1 nesting box per 3-4 hens. Most flocks develop 1-2 favorite boxes regardless of how many you provide, so do not overthink the count. Here is a quick reference:

For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on how many nesting boxes for 10 chickens.

Nesting Box Placement and Setup

Proper placement is as important as the box itself:

• Height: Mount 18-24 inches off the ground. This is comfortable for hens to access but low enough to prevent egg breakage from falls.
• Position: Place in the darkest, quietest corner of the coop. Hens instinctively seek privacy for laying.
• Below roosts: ALWAYS mount nesting boxes lower than roosting bars. Otherwise hens will sleep in them, and you will wake up to poopy eggs every morning.
• Facing away from traffic: The opening should face away from the pop door and main walkway. Hens prefer not to be watched while laying.

Best Nesting Box Bedding

Line each nesting box with 2-3 inches of bedding material. The best options are:

• Pine shavings: Most popular choice. Absorbent, affordable, and compostable. Replace weekly.
• Straw or hay: Traditional and insulating, but can mat down quickly and harbor mites if not changed regularly.
• Nesting pads: Washable rubber or felt pads. More expensive upfront but easier to maintain and great for roll-out boxes.
• Nesting herbs: Add organic nesting herbs on top of shavings for natural pest deterrence and a calming effect.

Troubleshooting Common Nesting Box Problems

• Hens sleeping in boxes: Your roosts are too low. Raise roosts above nesting box height.
• Eggs on the floor: New pullets may not know where to lay. Place a ceramic or golf ball "egg" in the box as a guide.
• Egg eating: Switch to roll-out boxes, darken the nesting area, and ensure adequate calcium with free-choice oyster shell.
• Dirty eggs: Replace bedding more frequently and ensure hens are not tracking mud into the coop.

Use our Coop Size Calculator to figure out how many nesting boxes your coop can fit alongside roosting bars and floor space.