Coop Designs » Our Nesting Boxes

We made our nesting boxes from old wood, as you can see. This "unit" is almost 4 feet long, with each nest about 12" x 12". This could be made as a single or double unit instead. We added a roost on top - that's the most popular roosting place in our coop! The front lip keeps pine shavings in and eggs from rolling out.

Credits: My 7-year old son did most of the hammering.

Materials list: (4) 4-foot sections of 1" x 12" pine shelving (that's 2 8-footers). (2) 4-foot sections of 2" x 2" wood (that's 1 8-footer). 10-penny nails as needed. One piece 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges when finished.

Directions:

1. Cut 3 48" lengths of shelving - nail together (see picture of end above for arrangement).
2. Cut 4 11" lengths from remaining piece (sides and separators). Measure the distance from back to front first; it might not be exactly 11" with your wood (see picture of end).
3. Cut 2 48" lengths of 2" x 2" and add to front and top as shown. Nail the bottom piece so there is a 1/2" - 3/4" lip in front (so eggs and shavings don't fall out).
4. Nail the nestbox through the back to the wall of your coop. We also angled some nails in from the sides for even more strength.

You're done! Now you can relax, fire up your computer, and post your story in our Message Forum...

Oh, wait! They only needed ONE nest!!?!??