Chickens like somewhere cosy and dark to lay their eggs in their chicken coop. If you can’t get hold of one or prefer the DIY type then why not custom build your own?

You can build your own nesting box very simply by following the following instructions.

Use an orange box from the greengrocer or something similar. The box should measure about 12″ square. Take off the front and the back off the box and replace the front and back of the box with a piece of wood about 3″ high. This allows the chickens to access their nesting box easily and you can get the eggs out easily too !!

The nesting box should be positioned about 24″ off the floor and we suggest that you line the bottom of the nesting box with nesting material. Straw or wood shavings are fine and the more absorbant the litter the better. Remember to use only fresh straw and non-toxic shavings.

Make sure the nest box is always placed lower than the perches in the chicken house as chickens will always try to roost on the highest point in their house. Place the nesting box in such a position that you can easily collect the eggs when you open the door.