Nesting boxes....how to make them?

[mommyoftwo]

Right now I have 5 hens and a roo. Planning on adding 6 or 7 more hens too. You all know how chicken math goes. How many boxes should I have. And know do I make them? I am looking for cheap or reusable items to use. Any ideas for me?

 

[Judy]

It's usually recommended to provide one nest for every 4 hens, although they will likely only use one or two of them. A nest can be any of many containers, open in the front or on top. I have one that is an old plastic "bin" which is open on top and has a cutout in the front that makes it easy for them to step in; it is great for a broody and chicks. I have used kitty litter boxes, old wooden storage containers, and even cardboard boxes. People make them out of 5 gallon buckets; lay it on its side and fasten a lip across the bottom to help hold the hay in. I've never paid money for a nest box yet; there is always something lying around that I can use or modify slightly to use.

 

[AlienChick]

I am using kitty litter containers, old flower pots, cardboard boxes, and they seem to use them all.
I also have an old bookcase inside my coop that they really seem to enjoy.

 

[mommyoftwo]

I have some old milk crates that are a little broken up. Could I use them, if I lay them on the side so the top would be laying flat on a shelt and add a lip. Or should I cut some of the plastic away on one side so their a lip made of plastic

 

[aart]

One thing that always pops into my mind when someone mentions nest boxes or roosts is to make sure to have the roosts higher than the nest boxes so they don't roost in the nests and poop them up.

advanced search>titles only> nest boxes>Show us your nest boxes! Ingenous design post it here!

 

[graciesmum]

I had 2 old bedside tables I was going to get rid of so I used them, I laid them on there side, attached an old piece of wooden flooring to the front, and the side of an old wardrobe to make the lid, and because it has a plastic like coating it is easily cleaned

 

[FarmerMama7]

What is the green stuff they are laying on?

I am using kitty litter containers, old flower pots, cardboard boxes, and they seem to use them all.
I also have an old bookcase inside my coop that they really seem to enjoy.

 

[AlienChick]

What is the green stuff they are laying on?

It's just some grass that was mowed from the lawn. They love it.
I let it dry a bit before I toss it into the coops and pens.
I like to use it in the nest boxes since it's softer than hay, straw or shavings.
And the hens seem to prefer the nice soft grass.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I have some old milk crates that are a little broken up. Could I use them, if I lay them on the side so the top would be laying flat on a shelt and add a lip. Or should I cut some of the plastic away on one side so their a lip made of plastic

You could do either of those or just set it upright without a top. Just brace it or fix it so they don’t turn it over when they perch in the edge. You are only limited by your imagination, Practically anything works.