Low Cost Chicken Nesting Boxes

Using these low cost chicken nesting boxes can save you tons of money. I'll start off by linking some of the more popular store alternatives so we can compare and contrast price points. 

Store-bought Chicken Nesting Boxes

1. Best Nest Box - This box is fantastic with the ability to have laid eggs roll out safely so they can be collected on the outside. Completely genius design that removes the age-old task of having to climb into the coop.

2. Little Giant Single Plastic Nesting Box Chicken Nest Box with Perch - It's pricey and the design is not as convenient, but chickens absolutely love it!

3. Precision Pet 7029288 Triple Nesting Box - This is a really simple laying box set that can be easily recreated with a quick trip to Home Depot or with scraps you have laying around. You could have this built in less than an hour! 

Low Cost Chicken Nesting Boxes

These are just some fun and, hopefully, free ways for you to create nesting boxes for your home flock. The number one goal is for the chickens to feel secure while having a clean place for them to comfortably lay their eggs. A secondary goal is to make it easy for you to collect those eggs. The best way to list out the different DIY options is to categorize them by "requires entrance into the coop" and "doesn't require entrance into the coop".

Requires Entrance Into the Coop

1. Plastic storage bins

2. Milk Crates

3. Large Plastic Bowls

You can save so much by getting creative with your nesting boxes. If you have any ideas for other low cost chicken nesting boxes, please leave a comment!

How Important are Nesting Boxes?

They are very important for chickens that are expected to lay eggs. Chickens like to nest in clean and safe areas that are cozy. Many people line their nesting boxes with hay or wood substrates for warmth and comfort. This further encourages hens to lay in the areas that you want eggs and discourages them from laying in high traffic areas where they could be damaged.

Golf Ball in Chicken Nest

I saw an idea online that talked about leaving golf balls in nesting boxes so chickens would be encouraged to utilize them quicker. The idea really struck me as genius and I hope to get the chance to try it! Maybe one in each for the first 2 weeks. Then, as they lay, remove the balls from the ones that get eggs until they are all being used?

Free Chicken Nesting Boxes

Of course, these are just cheap alternatives to buying chicken nesting boxes, but there are so many DIYs. I'll be linking some free plans for easy builds soon.

Looking forward to having these for our flock - https://www.farmraisedeggs.com/