If you’re new to raising chickens, finding the perfect nesting box ideas can be overwhelming. Many chicken-keepers face this challenge when setting up their backyard flock. To make things easier, you’ll need to explore different nesting box plans and designs that fit your unique setup. Budget is also a crucial factor to consider, as it will help you determine which options are feasible for your current financial situation.
If budget is a concern, don’t worry – starting with basic nesting boxes and upgrading them as your budget increases can be a viable solution. Ready to get inspired? Let’s dive into the various nesting box ideas available, from simple to elaborate, to find the perfect fit for your flock.
Pallet Nest Box
For those operating on a limited budget, repurposing pallets into nesting boxes can be an attractive option. This approach offers not only an affordable solution but also allows for the creation of visually appealing structures. The tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to transform pallets into functional and stylish nesting boxes that won’t break the bank.
Metal Wash Bin
Are you stuck with an outdated or repurposed washbasin on your property? Perhaps you used it to cultivate flowers, but now you’re looking for a creative solution to house your chickens’ eggs. The good news is that this old relic can be transformed into a functional and affordable nesting box. Simply fill the container with hay, and you’ll have a cozy abode for your feathered friends at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a dedicated nesting box.
Plastic Storage Bins
Opting for plastic storage bins is a fantastic way to create nesting boxes without breaking the bank. These affordable containers can be easily sourced from dollar stores or similar retailers. To set them up in your chicken coop, simply attach the bins to the structure using scrap wood or brackets. Fill the bins with hay, and your hens will soon discover their new favorite spot for laying eggs.
Kitty Litter Nesting Boxes
If you’re an indoor cat parent, you likely have an abundance of empty litter containers collecting dust. Rather than sending these containers to the landfill, consider upcycling them into cozy nesting boxes for your feline friends. To get started, find a sturdy surface on which to place the containers, then fill them with straw or another bedding material of your choice. With minimal effort and expense, you can create a multitude of nesting boxes for your cats to enjoy.
Upright Milk Crates
Initially, we opted for repurposing old milk crates as nesting boxes for our chickens. While they served their purpose decently well, considering their low cost or free availability, it’s crucial to remember that you’ll need to place a barrier under each crate to prevent eggs from slipping through the slats and potentially breaking.
Storage Tote Nesting Boxes
While I appreciate in-depth written guides, video tutorials can be incredibly helpful in providing a visual representation of complex processes. This particular video does just that, offering step-by-step instructions on how to build these nesting boxes and demonstrating their intended functionality. As an added bonus, it’s an affordable and uncomplicated DIY project – perfect for those looking to create a simple yet effective nesting box.
5-Gallon Bucket Nesting Boxes
When working with paints or drywall, it’s not uncommon to be left with leftover buckets that can quickly accumulate into a cluttered mess. However, before sending these containers to their final resting place in the landfill, consider giving your chickens a cozy new home instead. Repurposing old buckets as nesting boxes is an easy and budget-friendly solution that provides a unique benefit for both you and your feathered friends.
Building Your Nesting Boxes for Next to Nothing
When it comes to creating traditional-style nesting boxes on a budget, building rather than buying can be a cost-effective solution. While you don’t need to design the plans from scratch, this tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to build your own DIY nesting boxes for a fraction of the price.
DIY Bookshelf Nesting Box
Are you stuck with an outdated bookshelf gathering dust in your home? Before considering disposal or donating it, think creatively about its potential. One innovative use for an old bookshelf is transforming it into a set of nesting boxes, providing a functional and visually appealing solution.
Diamond Shape Nesting Boxes
Although this blog post may not be universally understandable due to its use of a foreign language, I encourage you to explore the concept despite any linguistic barriers. The idea itself is straightforward enough that it can still be applied even if the original article isn’t fully comprehensible. The innovative solution involves repurposing milk crates and arranging them at an angle to resemble diamonds.
By placing multiple crates together, you create a larger diamond structure that can be securely attached to the coop wall, offering both functionality and visual appeal.
Linn Acres Farm Nesting Box Plans
The nesting box designs I’m highlighting are particularly impressive. They’re designed to be wall-mounted, taking up less space than some standalone floor-based alternatives. One of the standout features of these plans is that they come with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Because they were created on a computer, you can easily print them off and refer to them as you build. This makes it much more likely that your project will be a success.
The Dresser Nesting Box
Repurpose an outdated dresser by transforming its drawers into cozy nesting boxes for your feathered friends. Begin by upcycling the old furniture, giving it a fresh coat of paint in your preferred hue. Then, focus on the drawers – specifically, select two to convert into snug compartments. To prepare these new nesting boxes, fill them with soft straw and consider adding dividers to create additional spaces for your birds to snuggle up and rest.
External Nesting Boxes
I’ll start by acknowledging that external nesting boxes have their advantages – they allow for easy egg collection without having to venture inside the coop. However, it’s crucial to ensure the lids are securely locked in place to prevent unwanted visitors like raccoons or snakes from helping themselves to your eggs.
Wooden Barrel Nesting Box
Consider repurposing an unused wine barrel as a unique and functional addition to your backyard chicken coop. While they may seem like an expensive luxury, old barrels can be transformed into cozy nesting boxes for your hens. To create this makeshift nesting box, simply place the barrel on its side and fill it with straw or other bedding material.
As the chickens enter the barrel through the open end, they’ll naturally take to laying their eggs in the newly created nesting compartment, adding a touch of rustic charm to your backyard egg-laying operation.
Large Plastic Bowls
As the summer season winds down, savvy chicken keepers can often snag a great deal on large plastic bowls at their local big-box store. If you’re able to score a bargain, be sure to stock up and incorporate them into your hen house setup. Simply fill the bowls with straw or shavings and place them strategically throughout the coop.
This budget-friendly hack not only provides your hens with a comfortable spot to lay eggs, but also offers a convenient way to keep the enclosure clean and well-ventilated.
Covered Litterbox Nesting Boxes
Consider repurposing an old, unused litterbox as a unique feature in your chicken coop. Despite its initial purpose being meant for felines, the litterbox can serve as a cozy and private space for your hens to lay their eggs. The enclosure’s natural design provides a sense of security and comfort for the chickens, much like a secluded spot would for humans.
By incorporating this unconventional element into your coop, you’ll be providing your flock with an alternative, stress-free area to perform their natural behavior.
DIY Plywood Nesting Box
For those who thrive on precision and accuracy, building with the aid of detailed plans can be a game-changer. Fortunately, this idea delivers just that – straightforward and easy-to-follow blueprints that ensure a stress-free construction process. What’s more, the use of plywood for the nesting boxes keeps costs remarkably low, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
Tumbleweeds-and-Thyme Nesting Box Plans
When it comes to providing optimal living conditions for your chickens, designing nesting boxes that make efficient use of space is crucial. A wall-mounted design offers an innovative solution to this challenge. By suspending the nesting boxes from the wall, you can create ample laying space without sacrificing valuable floor area. This clever design not only caters to your hens’ needs but also adds a touch of rustic charm to your coop’s aesthetic.
Dishpan Nesting Boxes
Discovering the humble dishpan’s unexpected potential as a nesting box! You can repurpose a single dishpan, securely attached to a wall, as a cozy spot for your hens to lay their eggs. Alternatively, create a multi-tiered design by stacking two dishpans on top of each other, offering your ladies an added layer of privacy and seclusion while they tend to their laying duties.
Hanging Dresser Nesting Boxes
Building upon previous creative repurposing ideas, I’d like to introduce an innovative approach that elevates the concept of transforming old dressers into nesting boxes for multiple hens. Rather than placing the dresser on the floor, this clever design suspends it on the wall, allowing the hens to access their cozy abode via a ladder. This space-saving solution not only frees up valuable floor space but also seamlessly integrates with its surroundings.
Tractor Tire Nesting Boxes
Instead of letting old tractor tires accumulate on your property, consider repurposing them into functional nesting boxes for your chickens. Simply cut the tires in half and allow your flock to claim their new egg-laying spaces. This creative solution not only reduces waste but also provides an inexpensive and practical means of housing your hens’ eggs.
With over 20 unique nesting box ideas and design plans now available, we hope you’ve found inspiration for your own coop’s egg-laying stations. However, we’re eager to hear from you – what materials do you use to construct your nesting boxes? Do you have a preference for internal or external coop designs? We’d love the opportunity to share in your creative solutions and learn from each other.
Please feel free to leave your thoughts and suggestions in the space provided below, and let’s continue the conversation about innovative nesting box designs.
