The Best Chicken Nesting Boxes
Plan one box for every four or five hens, about 12 inches square. These boxes cover every setup from two hens to a large flock.
Top Picks (At a Glance)
Quick links to the products we recommend in this guide. Prices shown on Amazon at click-through.
Roll-Away Box with Collector
Roll-away design, per the listing. Details below.
Check Price on Amazon →How many nesting boxes do you need?
| Source | Boxes | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon State Extension | 1 per about 4 birds | about 12 x 12 x 12 in |
| NC State Extension | 1 per 4–5 hens | 12 x 14 in |
| Penn State Extension | 2 for the first 4 hens, then 1 per 4 more | at least 12 x 12 in, at least 2 ft off the ground |
| UMaine Extension | 1 per 4–5 birds | — |
| Hens | Boxes |
|---|---|
| 4 | 1–2 |
| 6–8 | 2 |
| 10–12 | 2–3 |
| 15–20 | 3–5 |
Our table from the extension guidance above; hens often share a favorite box anyway.
The best nesting boxes
Best for larger flocks
ZenxyHoC Two-Tier Nesting Box, 6 Compartments
Six compartments in two tiers covers a large flock in one unit, using less floor space than six separate boxes.
Why it made the list
- Six boxes in one footprint
What to watch
- Top tier needs a perch or ladder for heavy breeds
Best metal
YENAM Metal Nesting Box, 3 Hole
Metal boxes are easy to scrub and do not give mites places to hide, which makes them a good choice if you have fought mites in wooden boxes.
Why it made the list
- Easy to sanitize
What to watch
- Can get hot in an unshaded coop
Best for small flocks
AugFir 2-Compartment Nesting Box
Two compartments suit most backyard flocks of six to ten hens.
Why it made the list
- Right size for typical flocks
What to watch
- Add bedding; the bare box is not enough
Best for clean eggs
Roll-Away Nesting Box with Egg Collector
In a roll-away box the floor slopes so eggs roll into a covered tray. Eggs stay cleaner and roll out of the hens' reach, which can help if you have an egg-eater.
Why it made the list
- Cleaner eggs
- Eggs roll out of reach
What to watch
- Some hens take time to accept a sloped floor
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nesting boxes for 10 chickens?
About two or three. Extension guidance is one box per four or five hens.
How high should nesting boxes be?
Penn State Extension says at least 2 feet off the ground and at least 4 feet away from the roosts, so hens do not sleep in the nests.
What goes in a nesting box?
Clean, dry bedding such as pine shavings or straw. Change it whenever it is soiled.
Sources
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