Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
If you're raising chickens, you don't need to spend a lot of money on fancy nesting boxes. In fact, many homesteaders prefer to make their own using materials they already have on hand.
With a little creativity, you can repurpose all kinds of everyday items into functional and comfortable nesting boxes. Here are some simple DIY nesting box ideas that work just as well as anything you can buy at the store.
The first four ideas come from a video by Farmyard Chronicles.
1. Plastic Container Nesting Box
Repurpose basic plastic storage containers into lightweight, portable nesting boxes. They're easy to clean, simple to set up, and provide a cozy, enclosed space hens love.
2. Drain Pipe Nesting Box
Large cylindrical drain pipes make surprisingly effective nesting spots. Their shape offers privacy, and with added lids or access points, they make egg collection quick and easy.
3. Tire Nesting Box
Old tires can be turned into rustic, durable nests. With a flat wooden base and a simple cover, they provide a warm, enclosed space that’s both functional and environmentally friendly.
4. Cabinet Nesting Box
An old cabinet or dresser can be converted into a multi-compartment nesting station. It's perfect for larger flocks and helps keep everything organized while reusing old furniture.
The next two ideas come from a video by Sheraz's Hens Club.
5. Tall Cabinet Nesting Box
This nesting box setup is made from an old wall cabinet turned on its side and mounted along the coop wall. With simple dividers and a layer of straw, it creates multiple cozy compartments for hens to lay their eggs, all while keeping things neat and organized.
6. Corrugated Pipe Nesting Box
This creative nesting box setup uses a large corrugated drainage pipe with circular openings cut along the side. Each section is lined with straw, giving hens a series of cozy, tunnel-like spaces that feel safe and sheltered.
7. Five-Gallon Bucket Nesting Box
The idea comes from a video by Homesteady. This nesting box is made from a standard five-gallon bucket mounted on its side. It's the perfect size for a hen to tuck herself in, and when filled with straw or hay, it becomes a snug, easy-to-clean spot for laying eggs.
8. Plastic Bin Nesting Box
The next idea comes from a video by Whitepepper Farms Homestead. This nesting box uses a pre-made plastic bin with a built-in front opening. It's perfectly shaped for a hen to hop in, and with some straw added, it becomes a low-cost, ready-to-use nesting spot.
9. Feed Trough Nesting Box
The next idea is from a video by Tom Brueggen. It uses a simple plastic feed trough mounted to the wall. Its deep, open shape makes it easy to fill with straw and provides just enough space for a hen to settle in and lay her eggs comfortably.
10. Tote Nesting Box
The next idea is from a video by Lead Farmer 73. This nesting box is made from a large plastic tote with a circular hole cut into the front for easy access. It offers plenty of space, keeps the bedding contained, and the lid helps create a darker, more private environment hens prefer for laying.
11. Cat Litter Pail Nesting Box
The next idea is from a video by Little Bittle Acres. These nesting boxes are made from recycled cat litter pails with the lids removed and turned on their sides. They’re the perfect size for hens, easy to clean, and come with built-in handles for quick hanging or repositioning in the coop.
12. Brick Nesting Box
The next idea is from a video by Survival Skills Mom's. This nesting box is built using basic red bricks stacked into a square to create a sturdy, ground-level enclosure. Lined with old fabric or cloth, it offers a warm, natural-feeling space that hens seem to love for laying their eggs.
13. Plastic Crate Nesting Box
The last idea in this list is from a video by Repair & Inventions. These nesting boxes are made from standard plastic crates turned on their sides and filled with straw. They're lightweight, stackable, and easy to clean, making them a practical and affordable option for any backyard chicken setup.
You May Also Like:
The post 13 Clever Chicken Nesting Boxes appeared first on Homestead Survival Site.
from Homestead Survival Site https://ift.tt/w4JG3HW
No comments:
Post a Comment