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Thursday, May 8, 2025

Nesting Boxes for Chickens: Easiest Design Ever

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Nesting Boxes for Chickens: Easiest Design Ever

There are tons of fancy chicken nesting box designs out there, but let’s face it: sometimes, simpler is better. If you're short on time or tools, this tote-based nesting box idea is a game-changer. It’s quick, inexpensive, and your hens will love it.

This tutorial comes from the YouTube channel Becky's Homestead. In this video, you'll learn how to build a chicken nesting box using just a plastic tote and a few basic supplies. It’s ideal for beginner chicken keepers or anyone who wants to scale up quickly without spending a lot of money.

What You’ll Need:

  • 3 18-gallon totes
  • 1 sheet of paper
  • 1 Sharpie marker
  • 1 utility knife
  • 1 screwdriver
  • 12 1-inch screws
  • 12 washers (3/16″ × 3/4″)
  • 1 2 x 8 x 8 board
  • Hay or straw for bedding

How to Make a Single Nesting Box:

1. Create the Door Template: Fold a sheet of paper in half, then in half again. Unfold one quarter of the paper—this piece becomes your chicken-sized doorway.

Paper Template

2. Mark the Tote: Place the paper near the bottom side of the tote, above the molded bottom line. Use the Sharpie to trace the doorway.

Marking the Tote

3. Cut Carefully: Using your utility knife, score a shallow outline first. Then go over it again for a deeper cut. This keeps the plastic from cracking and gives you cleaner edges.

Cut the Tote

4. Add Bedding: Fill the tote with hay or straw—but not so much that it blocks the door. Keep it cozy and accessible.

Add the Bedding

5. Put the Lid On: When it’s time to collect eggs, just lift the lid. No need to disturb your birds or crouch down too far.

Put the Lid On

Want to Build a Triple Box System?

If you’ve got more hens (around 20 or so), you can also make a three-box unit:

1. Repeat the cutting process on three totes.

2. Line them up on a 2×8 board, evenly spaced.

Line Them Up

3. Use four screws and four washers per tote to secure them down—one in each corner.

Use Four Screws

4. Add bedding and you’re ready to go!

Add the Bedding

Why It Works:

  • Affordable: No need to buy pricey nesting boxes.
  • Simple: Minimal tools and easy-to-follow steps.
  • Portable: The totes can be moved or rearranged as needed.

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The post Nesting Boxes for Chickens: Easiest Design Ever appeared first on Homestead Survival Site.



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