Hens are happier, and eggs stay cleaner, with a decent nesting box. It’s an easy afternoon build.
Quick answer Build an open-front box about 12 inches wide, 12 inches tall and 12 inches deep, with a board about 4 inches high across the bottom of the front to hold in bedding and eggs. Plan on one box for about every four hens. Mount it 18 to 24 inches off the floor, with a perch bar or ramp in front and a sloped top so hens don’t roost on it.
Tools & materials
- Scrap plywood or boards
- Exterior screws
- Saw, drill, tape measure, square
- A 1×2 or similar for a landing perch
- Pine shavings or straw for bedding
Steps
- Count your hens. Plan one box for every four or so.
- Cut the parts for a box about 12 inches on each side inside: a bottom, a back, two sides and a top. For a row of boxes, use one long bottom, back and top with dividers every 12 inches.
- Cut the front lip about 4 inches tall and the full width of the box. It keeps bedding and eggs from rolling out.
- Assemble the sides to the bottom and back with screws, then add the lip across the front.
- Slope the top. Fit the top at a steep slope (about 45 degrees) so hens can’t roost on it and dirty it.
- Mount it to the coop wall 18 to 24 inches off the floor, away from the roosts. Add a perch bar in front or a ramp so hens can hop up.
- Add bedding, a few inches of clean, dry shavings or straw, and keep it clean and dry.
Safety: Sand or trim sharp edges and screw tips inside the box. Wear eye protection when cutting.
Good to know
Collect eggs often, twice a day if you can. Eggs left sitting get dirty or broken and can encourage broody hens and egg eating.
From https://www.djgaston.com/build-a-chicken-nesting-box/ · Updated October 22, 2026