How to Make Chicken Nests - 5 Tips From Gold Blend to Gothic Roof

Nest boxes for hens come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and a variety of materials can be used to furnish an egg-laying place. Here are the basic principles of how to make chicken nests

The purpose of installing nest boxes is to provide laying hens with a dry, clean and relatively dark (secluded) place where the hens will lay their eggs and still feel comfortable.

1. Quantity

One nest box can serve from two to four hens.

However, be prepared for the fact that chickens can choose one “favorite” nest and literally line up for it, leaving other nests unattended or rushing in the grass if the top box is occupied. In this case, you need to find out the reason.

Perhaps the “bad” box is located in a too busy place, or, on the contrary, stands on the outskirts and is often visited by such egg lovers as rats. The frightening presence of predators will cause the hens to avoid potential danger.

size 2

Chicken nests should be large enough to accommodate the bird comfortably. Here, consider the breed dimensions.

For leghorns, 30 x 30 x 30 cm is usually sufficient.

Larger chickens will need 30 x 35 x 30 cm boxes.

For small chickens, for example, bantams, a small “apartment” is better suited - 25 x 30 x 25 cm.

Plus or minus a few centimeters will make the nest cozier. This means that if your hens have too much room in their box, they will start digging into the bedding and throwing it out.

3. Design

The simplest designs are box-shaped.

Since you are not going to make chicken nests for ages, but to dispose of them periodically to avoid the accumulation of chicken mites and other parasites, pressed plywood or wooden planks 5-10 cm thick are a good choice.

This thickness is necessary to minimize twisting when the wood dries and so that you can securely drive a screw into the edge of each piece.

Self-tapping screws for building a chicken nest are better than nails. Shrinkage or swelling of wet wood will cause nails, but screws will stay in place. In addition, rusty nails, even if driven to the side, always carry the risk of injury, and not only for the bird. Collecting eggs, you can get hurt and bring a dangerous infection.

With a large enough population, it makes sense to make one large and tall nest box, divided into 2 or 3 separate sections.

Make a ledge on the edge so the eggs don't roll or break. It will also keep all the bedding material inside.

Although the nest box does not necessarily require a closed top, birds feel safer in a closed design and are therefore more likely to lay their eggs there. Attention, little trick! To prevent chickens from sitting on top (eggs fall, extra work to clean up the droppings), immediately make the roof gabled.

Raise the nest 50 cm from the floor. Often a crossbar or step is added in front of the box for the convenience of the bird.

All plastic structures must be further strengthened so that the layers do not move them. An old cat litter box, thoroughly washed and disinfected, will also serve chickens, especially if they are free-range, and you do not have the desire to climb nettle thickets in search of eggs.

4. Litter

Fill the box with suitable material to prevent eggs from breaking.

Many use shavings (usually pine wood) or straw. In extreme cases, shredded paper and dry grass will do.

According to experienced poultry farmers, it is good to add dry shavings on top of the straw. This combo attracts laying hens and consumes less.

5. Golden snag

A simple trick from zoopsychology will come in handy in accustoming layers to a new nest.

Place fake eggs in boxes wrapped in shiny gold or silver foil. Ordinary oblong-shaped pebbles, ping-pong balls, or any other object resembling a chicken egg can act as tricks. If only it shone and attracted the attention of chickens.