Good, Easy Ideas for Nesting Boxes?

[Nutcase]

I'm running out of ideas for nesting boxes for my four hens. I have tried buckets laying on their sides but I think they are better for smaller birds. My hens are Red Stars. Right now they are using an old clothes-dryer for laying but that can still only accomodate one at a time. And if it's occupied they resort to laying eggs on the ground! It's inconvenient for me and uncomfortable for them! What do you use if you don't have actual wooden nesting boxes? Please share ideas and pics.
Thanks in advance!

 

[mmorgan79936]

We use plastic bins, a big tote upside down with holes cut out for them to go in for our Cochins, our fertilizer spreader never became a spreader lol, got it home and it was taken over, wheel barrel, our tractor scoop, covered igloo dog houses, old cat litter boxes with the lids, an old 2 shelf unit, milk crates. Anything I find useful from garage sales and I dont pay over 5.00. When we lived on the farm our Guineas would lay all over the place so I would place random items to attract them

 

[Ohgrr]

I have these 3 gallon buckets from a local restaurant that would be perfect... Of course I went with the maple hardwood construction. lol. I am dangerous when I get lumber and a circular saw! The 3 gallon mayo buckets would still be nice with minimal work IMHO.

 

[Eggcessive]

We frequently have broody hens, so sometimes we go looking through the barn for possible nest boxes. The mailbox is unique. Their favorite by far is a partial bag of pine shavings, either set up on top of something or just lying in the floor. They fight over those!

 

[jtbrown]

Laundry basket (in keeping with the dryer theme).

 

[duckman14]

Milk crates work good too.

 

[Nutcase]

Good ideas everyone! I think I could use the crate idea as I think that would fit in the corner with room to spare. I have a relatively small coop, but I only have four so I don't need a big one. I forgot to mention, I have been using a rack of old storage baskets for nests. However if I put more than one on the rack, it's too squishy for a hen to jump in. They can't be too high either, as I have a hen with a bad leg (my disabled chicken) who can't make it up without hurting herself.
My clothes-dryer nest:

-upside-down, so it is easier to climb inside.

 

[humphrey farms]

We frequently have broody hens, so sometimes we go looking through the barn for possible nest boxes. The mailbox is unique. Their favorite by far is a partial bag of pine shavings, either set up on top of something or just lying in the floor. They fight over those!

I love the mailbox!!! Something a TRUE Mainer would do. I went to the dump and found draws from old bureaus that work well for my wyandottes. They were free which was better!

 

[donrae]

I just use rubbermaid totes and milk crates. Mine also lay on the ground, it's really no big deal.

 

[Nutcase]

I just use rubbermaid totes and milk crates. Mine also lay on the ground, it's really no big deal.

Yes, I know I'm a bit fussy about where they lay! But they are getting old and I just want them to be comfortable.