Nest Boxes: Importance and Materials

Nesting boxes are vital to keeping chickens, and it is important to ensure they are clean and inviting. Feeling safe, secure, and comfortable is what your flock needs to entice them into laying eggs in a certain area. There are many different options for what you can put in your nesting boxes to show your hens that they can feel confident about laying an egg in them.

First, let’s talk about the size of your nesting boxes. A standard guideline for size is 12’ x 12”. If you have bantams, you can feel free to make them a little smaller. If you have heavy breeds, you can make them larger. Your goal is to make them feel safe inside, so it’s okay if they don’t have a ton of room to move around. 

When your flock is just getting ready to start laying, they will begin to explore the nesting boxes and familiarize themselves with the area. Adding ceramic or wooden eggs or golf balls to your nesting boxes can help teach the birds where they should be laying. They can help to deter egg-eating as well!   

Shavings are a good material to use in your nesting boxes. Pine or hemp shavings work well and can certainly make the nesting boxes an inviting place for your girls! They also make a great cushion for a freshly laid egg. Some birds tend to get a little messy and want to throw their bedding all over the place while they are trying to push their egg out. Adding a lip to the front of your nesting boxes is a great way to get them to stop, as this can block the bedding from falling out.

Nesting Pads are a great option as well. They come in various materials and can be cut to size. Rubber pads can be cleaned and reused! If you have chickens who like to kick shavings out of their nesting boxes when they are attempting to lay an egg, nesting pads would be a great alternative. 

Straw or fine-cut straw makes for another great choice in the nesting box. It is inexpensive, absorbent, and makes a comfortable place for your chickens to lay their eggs. Don’t forget that you can compost your nesting box materials as long as they are natural materials as well!  Empty them and toss the material right onto your compost pile for future use.

Nesting herbs for chickens are a great way to naturally freshen the coop and deter pests. Some fantastic herb options are lemon balm, basil, lavender, and catnip, as they are known to have calming properties. You can sprinkle them in the nesting boxes or around the coop. There are many ready-mixed options available at the store, or you can mix your own herbs at home.

There are many ways to customize your nesting boxes and create the perfect zen space for your birds. There are many different things to try, and you can learn what works best for you and your flock.