What Makes a Good Nesting Box?
A well-designed nesting box gives hens a quiet, semi-dark space to lay eggs comfortably. The key dimensions are twelve by twelve by twelve inches for standard breeds — slightly smaller for bantams, slightly larger for heavy breeds like Brahmas. You need one box for every three to four hens. Critical design features include slanted tops (to prevent roosting and the mess that comes with it), easy access for egg collection, and simple cleaning. Roll-away designs that gently slope eggs into a collection tray are increasingly popular for keeping eggs clean.
Our Top Picks
Miller Manufacturing 6-Hole Galvanized Nesting Box
Heavy-gauge galvanized steel with six compartments. Wall-mountable with perch bar included. Rust-resistant and virtually indestructible. The workhorse standard for most backyard operations.
Roll-Away Metal Nesting Box (8 Compartments)
Sloped floor design rolls eggs gently into a padded collection area, keeping them clean and reducing breakage. Wall-mountable with swing perch. Includes training eggs. Ideal for larger flocks or keepers who want pristine eggs.
Aivituvin Wooden Nesting Boxes
Natural wood construction with removable dividers. Blends into rustic coop aesthetics. Available in two, three, and four-compartment sizes. Good insulation properties for cold climates.
Little Giant Plastic Nesting Box
Lightweight, easy-to-clean plastic with a sloped top to discourage roosting. Stackable and wall-mountable. No corners for mites to hide in. Excellent value for the price.
Brower Rollaway Nest
Commercial-grade roll-away design used by small farm operations. Eggs roll onto a collection belt for hands-free gathering. Heavy-duty construction. Oversized for heavy breeds.
DIY Bucket Nesting Box
A five-gallon bucket mounted on its side with the bottom cut partially open and lined with straw is the simplest, cheapest nesting box option. Search for five-gallon buckets and straw bedding.
Placement Tips
Mount nesting boxes lower than the roosting bars — hens instinctively roost at the highest point, so if boxes are higher, they will sleep in them instead of laying in them. Position boxes in the darkest, quietest corner of the coop. Line with pine shavings or straw (replace weekly), and consider adding a curtain over the opening — a simple piece of burlap or fabric — to create a cozy, semi-dark environment that encourages laying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nesting boxes do I need?
One box for every three to four hens. Many chickens prefer to share the same box, so you will often see one or two popular boxes and others mostly unused.
Why do my chickens sleep in the nesting boxes?
The boxes are likely mounted higher than the roosting bars. Move them lower, or add slanted tops to discourage roosting. Also ensure roosting bars are comfortable — two inches wide with rounded edges.
What is a roll-away nesting box?
A nesting box with a gently sloped floor that lets eggs roll into a padded collection tray. This keeps eggs clean, reduces breakage, and prevents egg-eating behavior.