I often get questions about chicken nesting boxes—What’s the best nesting material? Which nest boxes work best? And the most common of all: “How do I get my chickens to lay in the nesting box?” Here are our tips to help you make your hens happy and your eggs safe.

How to Get Chickens to Lay in the Nesting Box

New layers are the most likely to lay eggs anywhere but the nesting box. Why? They simply don’t know where they’re supposed to lay! Here’s how to guide them:

• Avoid the “Egg Buffet” Problem
  Eggs laid outside the box often end up dirty, broken, or even eaten by the hens. Chickens love eggs, and once they get a taste, breaking the habit is tough. Start them right in the nesting boxes from day one.
• The One-Box Rule
  Provide one nesting box for every three hens. For smaller flocks, adding an extra box helps. For example, if you have four hens, aim for two boxes. Less waiting means fewer eggs laid on the floor.
• Make the Boxes Inviting
  Use soft, clean, and comfortable nesting materials. Adding a fake egg (plastic or ceramic) can encourage hens to lay in the right spot. While matching the egg color to the hen’s egg is optional, it can be helpful.
• Confinement Works
  Keep your hens confined to the coop until mid-morning. Most hens lay before 11 a.m., so keeping them close to the nesting boxes helps establish the habit.
• Set the Scene
  Place nesting boxes in dark, safe areas away from direct sunlight. Install them early so pullets can get used to the setup before they start laying.
• Handling Broody Hens
  If a hen stays in the nest box all day and puffs up when approached, she might be broody. This can block other hens from laying. To discourage broody behavior, move her to a separate broody coop or let her hatch eggs if that’s your goal.

Best Nesting Materials

Choosing the right material keeps eggs safe and hens happy. Here’s a rundown:

1. Wood Shavings
   • Dust-extracted, untreated kiln-dried pine is ideal.
   • Pros: Absorbent, hygienic, and cost-effective.
   • Tip: Avoid sawdust—it’s too dusty and can harm chickens’ respiratory health.
2. Lemongrass Bedding
   • Derived from lemongrass essential oil, it’s soft, fragrant, and hygienic.
   • Great when blended with wood shavings for added comfort and aroma.
3. Hemp
   • Made from the cannabis plant stalk (hurd).
   • Pros: Neutral odor, high absorbency, and pest-repellent.
   • Add eucalyptus oil for freshness and pest control.
4. Straw
   • Decent for coop flooring but not ideal for nesting boxes.
   • Be cautious: Straw can mold and turn unhygienic if left damp.
5. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
   • Mix food-grade DE with your bedding to deter parasites like mites and lice.

Egg Collection Tips

Collecting eggs regularly keeps them clean and reduces breakage.

• Aim to collect eggs at least twice a day, especially in the morning and early afternoon.
• This minimises the risk of hens stepping on or pecking at the eggs, keeping them fresher and safer.

Benefits of Nesting Boxes

• Less Egg Breakage: Use rollaway nest boxes to reduce broken eggs and pecking.
• Durability: Sturdy nesting boxes last through years of use.
• Easy Cleaning: Look for boxes designed for quick cleaning to maintain hygiene.

Seasonal Nesting Box Care

The seasons can impact your nesting box setup. Here’s how to adjust for different conditions:

• Winter: Keep nesting boxes dry and draft-free. Add extra bedding for warmth and insulation.
• Summer: Ensure boxes are shaded and ventilated to prevent overheating.

Types of Nesting Boxes

1. Plastic Wall-Mounted Boxes
   • Lightweight, affordable, and mite-resistant.
   • Easy to clean and can be adjusted as hens learn to use them.
2. Rollaway Nest Boxes
   • Prevents egg breakage with a slanted floor that rolls eggs to a collection tray.
   • Available in plastic, metal, or both.
3. Plywood Boxes
   • Sturdy and traditional.
   • Requires regular pest treatment but is a great DIY option.

Tip: Chickens don’t care about box material as long as it’s safe and meets their needs.

Troubleshooting Problem Behaviours

What if a hen refuses to use the nesting box?

• Block off her preferred spot to discourage her from laying there.
• Confining her to the coop for longer periods can help reinforce proper nesting behavior.
• Check if the nesting box location is too exposed or unappealing, and make adjustments as needed.
  
  You can find a variety of nesting boxes and bedding materials in our Nesting Section on the website. By setting your hens up with the right tools and training, you’ll enjoy cleaner eggs and happier chickens in no time!

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