Building cozy nesting boxes for your hens doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little creativity, your nesting boxes DIY project can give chickens a private, comfortable spot to lay their eggs while letting you have some fun with crafting.
From repurposed crates and drawers to simple buckets or wooden boxes, almost anything can become a charming nest with a bit of straw and care.
I love experimenting with different layouts and materials, and sometimes a tiny tweak, like adding a perch or lining the bottom with soft hay, makes all the difference. Watching my hens explore, choose their favorite box, and settle in is oddly satisfying, and collecting eggs becomes effortless.
So in this post I am sharing some of my favorite nesting box ideas and some useful information when it comes to building your chickens a nesting box.
Why Chickens Love Nesting Boxes So Much
If you have chickens then you will know they are surprisingly particular when it comes to where they lay their eggs.
Nesting boxes give them a safe, private, and cozy spot, which is exactly what they’re looking for.
I’ve watched my hens inspect every corner of the coop before deciding which box to claim, it’s like a little real estate tour every morning.
Here’s why they love them so much:
- Privacy is key – Chickens prefer laying in a secluded space where they feel safe from predators or pecking hens.
- Soft bedding – Straw, hay, or shredded paper cushions eggs and gives a comfy feel under their feet.
- Familiar scent – Once a hen uses a box, the smell encourages her to return and often attracts others.
- Consistent location – Knowing exactly where to lay eggs reduces stress for hens and prevents random laying around the coop.
- Security from rolling eggs – A well-designed nesting box keeps eggs contained, which chickens seem to instinctively appreciate.
I remember one hen in my coop hopping in and out of three boxes before settling in. Once she found “her spot,” she stuck with it religiously, it’s like she has her own little penthouse.
What Makes the Perfect Nesting Box for a Chicken?
Not every box works, even if it’s cute.
Chickens have preferences, and the perfect nesting box combines comfort, safety, and practicality.
Here’s a quick guide for what to consider when making your nesting boxes diy:
| Feature | Why It Matters | My Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Size & depth | Boxes should be deep enough for privacy but not so deep eggs get lost | I used a 12×12 inch crate; the hens fit snugly without eggs rolling too far |
| Soft bedding | Cushions eggs and keeps hens happy | Straw works best in my coop, but shredded paper is a close second |
| Stable structure | Prevents tipping or wobbling when hens hop in | Hanging crates need secure chains; drawers need flat surfaces |
| Easy to clean | Reduces mites, smells, and makes maintenance easier | Removable bottoms have saved me hours of scrubbing |
| Ventilation | Keeps eggs dry and prevents mold | I drill small holes in PVC or crates, which the hens don’t mind |
| Accessibility | Easy for hens to hop in, but hard for predators | Low crates or small ramps work better than tall, awkward boxes |
The perfect nesting box isn’t just about the hens’ comfort, it’s about making your life easier too.
I’ve experimented with everything from buckets to pallet wood, and a little trial and error goes a long way.
Once you hit the sweet spot, the hens use them religiously, and egg collection becomes a breeze.
12 Chicken Nesting Box Ideas
Here are 12 tried-and-true nesting boxes diy ideas with stories, tips, and quirky little moments from real-life coops.
1 | Wooden Crate Nesting Box
I grabbed an old wooden crate from the garage and thought, why not? I lined it with straw and set it in the corner of the coop.
The hens immediately adopted it, and one decided it was her personal throne, side-eyeing the others like she owned the place.
Make sure the crate is low enough for your hens to hop in easily, or you’ll be lifting them like I did the first week. I added a removable bottom for easy cleaning, and it made life so much simpler. The crate now doubles as a cute little corner in the backyard too.
2 | Hanging Milk Crate Boxes
Mom once rigged up old milk crates hanging from chains in her coop, and I was skeptical at first. It sounds wild, but it actually kept the nesting area cleaner because droppings fell right through.
I tried it in my backyard too, and the hens seemed to enjoy the little treehouse vibe. I had a scare when I almost fell getting one crate down for cleaning, but everything held up fine.
Use soft rope and check the stability every few weeks. One of my hens even likes to peek at the others from the top crate, it’s hilarious to watch.
3 | PVC Pipe Cozy Pods
I saw online someone slit large PVC pipes and filled them with straw, creating perfect tubular nesting boxes.
I tried it in my coop, and the hens loved curling up inside.
Sand the edges of the pipe so nobody gets scratched, and the pipes clean super easily. The hens seem extra content now that they have a little privacy.
4 | Reclaimed Drawer Boxes
I pulled a couple of old drawers from a yard sale, lined them with straw, and stacked them in the coop.
The hens quickly claimed them, and I loved how I repurposed something that would have gone to the landfill.
The bottom drawer ended up being my favorite for collecting eggs, they just roll gently to the front.
I added a few pinecones to keep pests away, which worked better than I expected. The wood had a weird knot in one corner, but it actually gave it character.
5 | Mom’s Classic Wooden Box
Mom always had simple wooden boxes in her henhouse. I remember visiting as a kid and watching her fluff straw for the hens.
She said the key is making the box deep enough for privacy, and I followed that advice exactly.
I added a removable bottom for easy cleaning, which is a total lifesaver. One thing I learned: a small lip at the front keeps eggs from falling out, and it’s saved me more than once.
6 | Bucket Nesting Boxes
I drilled holes in old five-gallon buckets, added straw, and set them in a corner.
One of my neighbors laughed at first, but the hens immediately chose them over the old wooden box.
One hen started “collecting” leaves to line her bucket, it looked like she was decorating her own little apartment.
Cut a doorway just big enough for a hen to fit snugly. It’s simple, cheap, and the hens love it.
7 | Tote Bin Nesting Boxes
I used plastic storage bins with cut-out entrances for nesting boxes.
My sister teased me that I was “industrial chic for chickens,” but it worked perfectly.
I added straw and a little hay mat, and the hens were in love. Place bins on a shelf a few inches off the floor to avoid moisture.
They’re light and easy to clean, which I really appreciate.
8 | Pallet Wood Compartments
I scavenged some pallet wood and built multi-compartment nesting boxes. Each section got straw and a pine branch perch.
The hens appreciated having their own private corner.
One chicken insisted on only using the box with the smallest perch, it’s a diva, clearly.
Smooth all rough edges so hens don’t scratch themselves. The compartment setup also keeps eggs from rolling around too much.
9 | Repurposed Wash Basin Nesting
I tried something a little unconventional: I turned an old wash basin into a mini nesting spot for my bantam hens.
Surprisingly, they loved it, though I had to swap the straw often because moisture built up at the bottom.
I cut a small side opening so I could peek without disturbing them, which made collecting eggs easier.
Lining it with fresh straw each week worked best, and the hens seemed extra cozy curled up inside.
I wouldn’t rely on this setup long-term for a full flock, but it’s a fun and quirky experiment that gave my coop a little extra personality.
10 | Neighbor’s Old Hutch Hack
My neighbor gave me an old rabbit hutch, and I converted it into nesting boxes.
I added straw and a small ramp, and the hens adopted it instantly. The hutch even kept eggs from rolling around.
Adding a small roof overhang keeps rain from sneaking in if your coop isn’t fully enclosed. It was a simple fix, but the hens seem extra happy now.
11 | DIY Straw Basket Nests
I wove baskets from leftover garden vines, lined them with straw, and placed them in the coop.
The hens clucked happily – I swear they have opinions about straw textures.
One hen tried to pull a vine off and ended up with a tiny “straw crown” on her head.
Use sturdy vines and make the bottom flat so eggs don’t tip. These baskets are surprisingly charming and make egg collection fun.
12 | Ladder-Style Nesting Boxes
I built a tiered ladder-style setup from scrap wood.
Each step is a nesting box, with straw and hay. I remember laughing when my chicken climbed to the top box like it was her personal penthouse.
Make each box wide enough for comfort but not so deep that eggs get lost in the back.
It keeps the coop organized, gives hens privacy, and it’s super satisfying to see them use it every day.
