In this post, I will be sharing the top 6 chicken nest boxes that every poultry keeper should consider. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced chicken enthusiast, having the right nest boxes is essential to ensure the comfort and well-being of your flock. From easy installation to durable construction, these nest boxes offer a range of features to meet the needs of your feathered friends. So, let’s dive in and discover the best options available for chicken nest boxes!
Duncan's Chicken Nesting Boxes – 6 Hole Metal Poultry Nest Box
- Well built and solid metal construction
- Easy to assemble
- Large egg laying boxes and vented holes
- Difficulty in removing nest bottoms for cleaning
- Lack of automatic mechanism for adjusting bars at night and in the morning
Duncan’s Chicken Nesting Boxes are a premium product that showcases American-made excellence. Made with precision and built to last, these nesting boxes are constructed with rust-proofed metal, ensuring durability and longevity. The solid and sturdy metal construction sets them apart from flimsy alternatives in the market. While some customers have expressed a desire for easier cleaning with removable nest bottoms, overall, the reviews are positive, emphasizing the ease of assembly and the quality of the product. If you’re seeking a reliable and efficient solution for your chickens, hens, or ducks, Duncan’s Chicken Nesting Boxes are an excellent choice.
- American made
- Premium craftsmanship
- Precision-built for safety and longevity
- Rust-proofed construction
- Large egg laying boxes
- Large vented holes
Little Giant® Plastic Chicken Nesting Box
- Versatile use
- Easy to clean
- Provides privacy for hens
- Fold-down perch
- Not suitable for hens that have difficulty accessing higher perches
- Does not come with screws for installation
The Little Giant® Plastic Chicken Nesting Box is made of high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity. Constructed with high-density, impact-resistant polyethylene, this nesting box is built to withstand weather conditions and will not rust, rot, or corrode over time. It can be securely mounted vertically or side by side, allowing for flexibility in placement within your chicken coop.
One reviewer, the founder of a chicken and wildlife rescue and sanctuary, praised the nesting box for meeting the specific needs of hens. They highlighted the importance of privacy, darkness, and room for the hens to turn around and tend to their nests. The fold-down perch in front was also appreciated by both the reviewer and the hens. Easy cleaning was another bonus, as the smooth plastic surface does not retain dirt like wooden nesting boxes. The reviewer recommended purchasing screws separately for easy installation and happier hens.
Another reviewer expressed their surprise at how much their hens loved this nesting box, despite previously favoring a metal one. With 22 eggs in the box, it was clear that the hens found it comfortable and appealing. The ease of hanging the box was also mentioned as a positive aspect.
A third reviewer mentioned the versatility of the nesting box and the option to hang it in a kennel or a larger coop. The adjustable height was appreciated, although it was noted that larger birds might have difficulty entering if the box is placed too high. The small drain in the back allows for easy cleaning, and correctly placed screws enable hassle-free removal for maintenance. Overall, the reviewer expressed their satisfaction with the product.
In summary, the Little Giant® Plastic Chicken Nesting Box is a high-quality and versatile option for your chicken coop. Its durability and ease of cleaning make it a practical choice, while its design meets the preferences and needs of hens for privacy, comfort, and safety.
- High density, impact-resistant polyethylene material
- Rust-free, rot-free, and corrosion-resistant
- Vertical or side by side mounting options
- Easy-to-clean smooth plastic surface
- Does not get as cold as other materials
Brower 410B Poultry Nest, Gray
- Easy to assemble
- Durable galvanized metal construction
- Provides privacy for nesting hens
- Easy egg collection from front or rear hatch doors
- Shortage of small bolts and nuts
- Possibility of hens pulling down perches if determined
The Brower 410B 10-Hole Poultry Nest is a high-quality galvanized steel nesting box designed to provide a comfortable and secure nesting space for your hens. With 10 holes in 2 tiers, it has a capacity of 50-60 hens, making it suitable for smaller production flocks. The nest bottoms are removable for easy cleaning and litter replacement, ensuring a hygienic environment for your chickens. The double bolted perches are hinged, allowing for easy closing, and the hangers are standard for convenient installation. The nests can be staggered back to back to prevent hens from passing between tiers. Overall, this nesting box is easy to assemble with just a screwdriver and wrench, and it offers both durability and functionality for chicken keepers. The reviews indicate that it is well-loved by both the chickens and the owners, with positive comments on ease of assembly, suitability for large breeds, and the option to collect eggs from the front or rear of the unit.
- 10-hole design
- 2-tier structure
- Removable nest bottoms
- Easy assembly with basic tools
- High-quality galvanized steel construction
- Suitable for 50-60 hens
Reversible Rollout Chicken Nest Box – Large
- Helps fix chickens eating their own eggs
- Results in cleaner eggs
- Easy to put together
The Best Nest Box Reversible Rollout Chicken Nest Box (Large – 48″) is a community-style nest box made of galvanized steel, providing a durable and easy-to-assemble solution for chicken owners. With a 45 hen capacity, this nest box is designed to prevent chickens from eating their own eggs and to keep eggs clean and unbroken. One of the standout features of this nest box is its reversible design, allowing you to collect eggs from inside or outside the coop. Additionally, the nest pad provides a comfortable and inviting space for your hens to lay their eggs. Customers who have purchased this product have praised its effectiveness in solving egg-eating issues, as well as its ability to produce clean eggs. Though some reviewers have noted a minor issue with the rail, it can be easily fixed using a simple support mechanism. Overall, the Best Nest Box Reversible Rollout Chicken Nest Box offers a high-quality and reliable solution for chicken owners looking for a convenient and efficient nesting space for their hens.
- Community style nest box
- Rollaway egg tray
- Easy to assemble
- Made of galvanized steel
- Reversible box (front or rear egg tray)
- 45 hen capacity
Prec Pet Triple Nesting Box, Brown
- Affordable price
- Easy to assemble
- Provides a place for chickens to lay eggs
- Suitable for indoor use in a coop
- Drawbacks:
- Not suitable for outdoor use
- Some parts may arrive broken or damaged
The Precision Pet 7029288 Triple Nesting Box is a basic yet essential product for any chicken coop or house. It is designed for use both inside and outside of coops to help eliminate nest sharing among hens. The nesting box is available in single, double, and triple options. The package dimensions are 37.638″ L X 12.795″ W X 11.22″ H. While it is not rated for outdoor use, customers have reported that the boxes have held up well indoors over a period of 2 years. Some assembly is required, but the process is relatively straightforward and takes about 5 minutes. However, there have been a few reports of parts breaking or splitting, but users have found simple fixes such as gluing the broken pieces or reinforcing them with tape. Overall, considering its price and functionality, the Precision Pet 7029288 Triple Nesting Box provides a convenient and affordable solution for chicken owners.
- Suitable for use in or out of coops
- Helps eliminate nest sharing
- Available in single, double, and triple nesting box options
- Package dimensions: 37.638″ L X 12.795″ W X 11.22″ H
Metal Chicken Nesting Boxes with Lid Cover
- Sturdy construction
- Sloping red roof for rain protection
- Easy to put together
- Nice quality materials
- Sharp edges on the inside
- Instructions could be clearer
The Chicken Nesting Boxes, 3 Hole Metal Chicken Egg Laying Box, is a clean, rainproof, and durable nesting box that provides a comfortable and safe environment for hens to lay their eggs. It comes with three egg boxes and is easy to install with the provided instructions and installation tools. The sturdy construction and sloping red roof ensure that the eggs stay dry and protected from the rain. However, some reviewers have mentioned that the interior edges of the nesting box have sharp edges, and the instructions could be clearer. Overall, it is a good quality nesting box at a reasonable price.
- Clean and rainproof
- Rust-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Easy to install
- Comes with installation tools
- Provides a clean and comfortable environment for laying eggs
Other Nesting Options
Pricing Information for Chicken Nest Boxes
- Low price range (under $50): These are typically basic, no-frills chicken nest boxes made from inexpensive materials such as plastic or simple wood. They may provide the basic functionality of a nesting area for chickens, but may not offer additional features like ventilation or easy cleaning options
- Mid-range price range ($50 to $100): In this range, you can find chicken nest boxes that offer better quality construction, durability, and some additional features. These may include better ventilation, removable nest pads for easy cleaning, or nesting boxes with higher capacity to accommodate more hens
- High price range (over $100): The high-end chicken nest boxes in this range are often constructed from premium materials like solid wood or metal, ensuring their longevity. They are designed to offer superior comfort for your chickens, with features like multiple compartments, partitions, nesting pads, and better ventilation. These boxes may also have aesthetic appeal, such as stylish designs or custom finishes
- Professional/Commercial grade (price varies): For those who are running larger chicken operations or need highly durable nest boxes for commercial purposes, professional-grade options are available. These can often be custom-made to fit specific requirements and may come with advanced features like automatic egg collection, integrated lighting, or remote monitoring systems. The price varies greatly depending on the specific needs and customization options
- It’s important to note that these price ranges are general estimates and can vary depending on factors like brand, materials used, size, and included features. Additionally, keep in mind that your location and the availability of certain products might impact the prices in your area
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Nest Boxes: Everything you need to know
Should nest boxes be covered or left open?
Nest boxes should generally be left open rather than covered. Most bird species prefer open nests as they provide better ventilation and allow easy access for the birds. Covered nest boxes may trap heat and moisture, creating unhealthy conditions for the nesting birds. Additionally, an open nest box allows the birds to easily monitor their surroundings and defend against potential predators. However, it is always advisable to research the specific nesting requirements of the target bird species, as some may prefer or require partially covered or fully enclosed nest boxes in certain situations.
Can multiple hens use the same nest box simultaneously?
No, multiple hens cannot use the same nest box simultaneously. Nest boxes are designed for individual hens to have their own private space where they can lay their eggs. Allowing multiple hens to use the same nest box at the same time can lead to stress, aggression, and possible damage to the eggs. It is important to provide a sufficient number of nest boxes within the coop to ensure each hen has a comfortable and secluded area to lay her eggs.
How can I make nest boxes more enticing for my chickens?
To make nest boxes more enticing for chickens, there are several things you can do:
- Provide enough space: Ensure that your nest boxes are adequately sized to comfortably accommodate your chickens. Each box should be spacious enough for a hen to comfortably turn around and sit.
- Use comfortable bedding: Line the nest boxes with clean and dry bedding such as straw, hay, or shavings. This will provide a cozy and comfortable environment for the hens to lay their eggs.
- Keep the nesting area clean: Regularly clean out the nest boxes to remove any soiled bedding or debris. This will help maintain a hygienic and inviting nesting environment.
- Add a fake egg or golf ball: Placing a fake egg or golf ball in each nest box can help stimulate the hens’ natural nesting instincts. They will see the egg and be encouraged to lay their eggs in the boxes.
- Provide privacy and security: Chickens prefer a quiet and secluded area for laying eggs. Ensure that the nest boxes are placed in a quiet corner or area away from excessive noise, predators, and disturbances.
- Consider the height of the nest boxes: Chickens prefer to lay their eggs at slightly elevated positions. Place the nest boxes at a height that is comfortable for them to access but not too high that it becomes difficult for them to reach.