Chickens need safe spots to lay eggs every day. Nesting boxes play a key role in every coop. They bring order and comfort to the space while protecting eggs from damage.
Some boxes feature simple open designs. Others include multiple compartments or creative materials. Many builders add height for space savings or use everyday items for quick setups.
No coop feels complete without good nesting options. They come in all shapes and sizes to match any flock. Here are 29 nesting box ideas that add function and style to your setup.
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1. Curtained Wooden Nesting Boxes
Two wooden crates sit on a shelf inside the coop. Floral and polka-dot curtains hang over the openings. Chickens walk nearby on straw-covered ground, while a goat rests close by.
Signs decorate the plywood wall above the boxes. This setup adds charm while giving hens privacy during laying.
The design uses simple materials for easy cleaning. Place similar boxes at a comfortable height for your birds.
2. Multi-Compartment Wooden Nesting Unit
A tall cabinet rests against the coop wall. Nine compartments with white trim fill its frame. Hens claim the upper sections while others scratch the grass below.
This layout gives birds personal space during laying time. Multiple hens can use it at the same time without crowding each other.
Crafters can build it from old furniture. Paint or stain protects the wood from moisture. The stable vertical unit also saves floor space in small coops.
3. Barrel Style Nesting Boxes
Black barrels sit in a row on a wooden shelf. Straw fills every opening, allowing hens to enter the dark spaces with ease. A vegetable sign hangs above the setup.
Place the barrels at a convenient height. Frequent bedding changes help keep the nesting area fresh and comfortable.
The round shape gives hens enough room to turn around. The enclosed barrels stay cool in summer and help block drafts during colder months.
4. Plastic Bucket Nest
One black bucket rests on a wooden base. Straw lines the interior, while a brown hen with a red comb sits comfortably inside.
The container offers a private and secure spot for laying eggs. This simple option works especially well for smaller flocks.
Mount the bucket firmly on a shelf and cut the front lower for easy entry. Plastic resists moisture and cleans quickly with a simple rinse.
5. Tiered Wooden Box Shelves
Long wooden shelves run along the coop wall. Green baskets filled with straw sit in several sections. Two levels create additional nesting room without taking up much floor space.
The structure can grow with your flock. Builders can add more baskets or sections when additional nesting areas are needed.
Attach strong supports securely to the wall. The baskets slide out for fast cleaning, while the open structure promotes airflow and reduces moisture buildup.
6. License Plate Wooden Nesting Boxes
Old license plates decorate the top of this wooden nesting frame. The structure mounts against a white wall, with straw and an egg visible in one lower compartment.
Two rows provide reliable nesting spots for laying hens. The repurposed plates add personality and rustic style to the coop.
Fasten the unit securely for everyday use. Check the license plates regularly to make sure they remain firmly attached over time.
7. Orange Bucket Nesting Shelves
Two rows of bright orange buckets line wooden shelves inside the coop. Straw fills each bucket, while the sturdy frame supports ten nesting units.
The colorful design stands out against the wooden interior. Multiple levels increase capacity without requiring a wide section of floor space.
Cut the fronts of the buckets for easier access. Plastic handles moisture well, cleans quickly, and provides hens with the privacy they prefer during laying.
8. Divided Wooden Nest Compartments
Two hens sit side by side in separate wooden compartments. One has black and white feathers, while the other displays dark plumage and a bright red comb.
Low wooden walls divide the nesting areas. These clear sections help reduce crowding and keep hens calmer during laying.
Builders can create this design with basic lumber. It fits smaller spaces and allows fresh air to circulate around the birds.
9. Window Side Nesting Box
A hen stands inside a nesting box filled with light wood shavings. One brown egg rests nearby, while a window brings natural light into the area.
Placing nesting boxes near windows can improve ventilation. However, avoid strong direct sunlight that could make the box too warm.
Wood shavings absorb moisture and support natural nesting behavior. Add a raised lip along the front to prevent eggs and bedding from rolling out.
10. Red Pan Nesting Spot
A brown hen sits inside a red plastic pan placed on a wooden surface. A framed farm picture hangs on the plywood wall above her.
Simple plastic pans can work as quick nesting areas. Their smooth surfaces make bedding changes and regular cleaning easier.
Place the pan away from busy pathways to give hens a quieter laying environment. Secure it to prevent sliding when birds enter or leave.
11. Wall Mounted Watering Can Decor
A red watering can mounts on a wooden post. Chicken-patterned fabric with red flowers hangs nearby, while a window sits to the right.
Creative wall mounts turn everyday items into charming coop decorations. The bright fabric and watering can add color to plain wooden walls.
Use strong brackets that can support the weight without sagging. Keep decorative pieces away from areas where chickens may become trapped or injured.
12. Hanging Plastic Nesting Boxes
Gray plastic boxes hang from chains above a wooden platform. Straw fills several units, while a large hay bale sits nearby on the dirt floor.
The elevated design keeps nesting boxes away from damp ground. It also creates open space underneath for easier sweeping and maintenance.
Plastic resists moisture and regular wear. Secure each chain carefully and limit excessive movement so hens feel stable while entering and laying.
13. Large Wooden Community Nesting Bank
A long wooden structure holds many nesting compartments across two rows. Several brown hens occupy the boxes, while others walk across the gravel floor.
The unit covers a wide section of the coop wall. It provides a central laying area for larger flocks and makes daily egg collection more efficient.
Builders can use plywood and lumber for strength. Line each section with wood shavings and keep the fronts open enough for airflow.
14. Roll Out Egg Nesting Box
A wooden nesting box with a sloped lid sits outdoors. Three brown eggs rest on bedding inside the open collection area, with green grass growing around the base.
A gently sloped floor guides eggs toward a protected tray. This design helps reduce dirty, cracked, or pecked eggs.
Add a weather-resistant lid and raised edges to hold bedding in place. Seal outdoor wood carefully to protect it from rain and ground moisture.
15. Outdoor Covered Nesting Area
Hens gather beneath a long wooden and wire structure. Some perch on elevated areas, while others stand on the gravel-covered ground.
The covered design provides shelter along the fence line. It adds usable space for birds while protecting key areas from direct rain and sunlight.
Wire sides support airflow, while elevated nesting spots remain cleaner and drier. This arrangement suits free-range birds that return to protected areas for laying.
16. Plastic Pet Carrier Style Nests
Two white and pink pet carriers sit on wood-chip bedding. One contains a black and white hen, while the other holds clean wood shavings.
Plastic carriers provide ready-made privacy for shy layers. Their enclosed shape creates the dark, protected environment many hens prefer.
The removable tops simplify cleaning and bedding changes. Position the carriers in quiet corners and make sure each entrance is large enough for safe movement.
17. Black Crate Egg Collection Nest
A black plastic crate contains straw and several light brown eggs. The crate rests on wood chips, with loose straw cushioning the eggs inside.
The raised sides keep the bedding and eggs contained. Its open top makes it easy to inspect and collect eggs throughout the day.
Place the crate in a calm, shaded area. Make sure it remains stable and add enough bedding to protect eggs from hard surfaces.
18. Painted Wooden Tiered Nesting Box
A light blue wooden structure stands on the grass. Pink accents highlight the edges and top board, while hand-painted words decorate the front.
Open shelves give hens different height options. Ventilation openings near the top help reduce trapped heat and moisture.
Bright paint brings color to the coop area. Use poultry-safe finishes and add a sloped roof to direct rainwater away from the nesting compartments.
19. Stacked Blue Crate Nests
Three blue plastic crates stack vertically against a metal wall. Wood shavings cover each level, with one egg visible in the middle crate.
The tall arrangement saves valuable ground space. Open crate sides allow air to circulate around the bedding and birds.
Secure the crates to each other and the wall to prevent tipping. This nesting option works well in narrow corners and requires little effort to clean.
20. Repurposed Display Case Nest
A black and white hen stands on straw inside a modified white display unit. Soda branding covers the sides and back panel.
Old store fixtures can become practical and unusual nesting spaces. The open design makes inspection and egg collection simple.
Add soft straw or shavings for comfort. Secure the unit firmly to a wall or stable base to prevent tipping during active use.
21. Dome Shaped Plastic Nest
A large gray plastic dome rests on wood chips. A black hen sits inside on straw, while another bird peeks around the side.
The rounded entrance gives the nest a cave-like appearance. This shape resembles the hidden, protected spots hens naturally seek.
Smooth plastic wipes clean quickly and blocks drafts. Place the dome in a quiet area and ensure it has enough ventilation during hot weather.
22. Wine Box Wall Nests
Wooden wine crates mount in a row along the coop wall. Straw lines each box at different heights, while a water feeder hangs nearby.
The branded crates add rustic character and use vertical wall space effectively. Their raised sides also help keep bedding contained.
Attach every crate firmly to wall studs. Provide a landing board for higher boxes so hens can enter and leave safely.
23. Rollaway Plywood Nesting Box
An open plywood nesting unit contains divided compartments. One fake egg sits inside a sloped tray, while a lifting lid provides access from above.
The angled floors guide laid eggs toward protected collection points. Dividers reduce crowding and give each hen a defined nesting space.
Paint or seal the plywood to extend its life. A properly built rollaway system can reduce dirty, damaged, and broken eggs.
24. Broody Hen With Chicks
A golden brown hen sits in a wooden box filled with shavings. Two small dark chicks huddle closely beside her as she rests with fluffed feathers.
The enclosed space provides safety for the mother hen and her young chicks. Soft shavings create comfortable footing for their small legs.
Keep the nesting area warm, dry, and quiet. Separate the family from the main flock when necessary to protect the chicks from injury.
25. Blue Crate Multi Level Setup
Blue and black crates line wooden shelves inside the coop. Shavings cover each level, while the arrangement follows the angle of the sloped wall.
Crate systems expand easily by adding more rows. They handle regular use and provide flexible nesting capacity for larger flocks.
Strong wooden supports keep the structure stable. Individual crates can be removed and cleaned without disturbing the entire nesting system.
26. Fluffy Hen in Shredded Paper Nest
A cream-colored hen with black markings curls tightly inside a nesting box. Shredded paper surrounds her and creates a soft, insulated resting area.
Paper shreds can absorb moisture and provide warmth. The material is also inexpensive and easy to replace when soiled.
Use clean, non-glossy paper without staples or harmful inks. Refresh the bedding frequently to prevent dampness and unpleasant odors.
27. Mailbox Nesting Boxes
Two black mailboxes mount side by side, with straw and eggs visible inside one open unit. A colorful sign hangs above the arrangement.
Mailboxes create enclosed nesting spaces and add a playful feature to the coop. Their doors can also provide convenient access for egg collection.
Mount them at a comfortable height and add ventilation holes where needed. Check all edges carefully to make sure hens cannot be cut or trapped.
28. Two Tier Wooden Nesting Bank
A large wooden unit contains many compartments across two levels. Several hens occupy the nesting spaces, with wood shavings lining each section.
The structure stands on sturdy legs inside the coop. Its centralized design makes egg collection and bedding maintenance more efficient for large flocks.
Strong framing supports regular activity. Individual sections reduce crowding and may help limit egg eating or competition between hens.
29. White Elevated Coop Nests
A white wooden nesting structure features two upper entrances. A black and white hen stands at one opening, while a brown hen perches nearby.
Lower compartments contain straw, and trees fill the background. The elevated layout helps keep nesting areas cleaner and farther from damp ground.
Light-colored paint reflects sunlight and can reduce heat absorption. Add secure landing boards so hens can reach the upper entrances safely.
