Have you ever stood in your backyard, staring at your chicken coop and wondering, “How high should these darn nesting boxes be anyway?” You’re not alone! As someone who’s spent years raising chickens and experimenting with different coop designs, I’ve learned that nesting box height is more important than most people realize.
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about the ideal height for chicken nesting boxes, based on both expert recommendations and my own experiences. Whether you’re building your first coop or looking to improve your existing setup, these tips will help your hens lay eggs comfortably and make egg collection easier for you.
Why Nesting Box Height Matters
Before we dive into specific measurements, let’s talk about why height matters in the first place:
For your chickens:
- Comfort and accessibility are crucial for hens when laying eggs
- Proper height helps chickens feel safe and secure
- Incorrect height can cause stress and joint problems
- Chickens may refuse to use boxes that are placed incorrectly
For you the chicken keeper
- The right height makes egg collection more convenient
- Proper placement reduces the likelihood of broken eggs
- Good positioning helps keep eggs cleaner
- Your back will thank you for not having to bend down too much!
The Ideal Height Range
After reviewing multiple sources and expert opinions there’s a pretty clear consensus on the optimal height for chicken nesting boxes
For standard chicken breeds: 18-24 inches off the ground
For bantam (smaller) breeds: 16-18 inches off the ground
This range works for most situations, but the exact height you choose might depend on several factors, including your chicken breeds, your own height, and your coop design.
Nesting Box Height Recommendations by Breed
Different chicken breeds have different needs when it comes to nesting box height. Here’s a handy breakdown:
16 to 18 inches (best for smaller chickens):
- Brahma bantams
- Pekin bantams
- Polish bantams
- Most other bantam varieties
18 to 20 inches:
- Leghorns
- Minorcas
- Welsummers
- Ameraucanas
20 to 22 inches:
- Orpingtons
- Plymouth Rocks
- Australorps
- Wyandottes
22 to 24 inches:
- Brahmas
- Cochins
- Faverolles
- Jersey Giants
Remember that these are guidelines – your individual chickens might have preferences that differ slightly from the norm. It’s always good to observe your flock and adjust if needed.
What Happens When Nesting Boxes Are Too High?
I once installed nesting boxes at around 3 feet high, thinking my chickens would appreciate the privacy. Big mistake! Here’s what can happen when boxes are too high:
- Chickens may refuse to use them entirely
- Hens might injure themselves jumping down
- The risk of bumblefoot increases (a bacterial infection in their feet)
- Eggs may break when hens fly down after laying
- Some chickens might not be able to access them at all
One person shared on BackYard Chickens that they had nest boxes about 4.5-5.5 feet off the ground, and while some chickens could use them, others couldn’t access them at all. This led to eggs being laid in random spots around the coop – not ideal!
What If Nesting Boxes Are Too Low?
On the flip side, nesting boxes that are too low can also cause problems:
- Chickens don’t feel safe and secure when laying
- Hens may not use them, preferring higher spots
- Bedding gets kicked into the boxes more easily
- Predators might have easier access to eggs
- Egg collection becomes a back-breaking chore for you
The sweet spot is finding a height that balances chicken comfort with human convenience.
Tips for Getting Nesting Box Height Just Right
1. Consider Your Own Comfort
If you have back problems or difficulty bending, you might want to position the boxes a bit higher. One creative solution from a BackYard Chickens forum member with back issues was to elevate their entire coop about 3.5 feet off the ground, with nesting boxes at floor level inside the coop. This allowed for easy egg collection from outside through access doors at a comfortable height.
2. Add Ramps or Perches if Needed
If your nesting boxes are on the higher side, consider adding:
- A small ramp leading up to the boxes
- A perch in front of the boxes for easy access
- Small “steps” for chickens to hop up gradually
One chicken keeper mentioned adding 1″ x 1/2″ strips of wood every 6 inches on their ramp to give chickens better grip – smart idea!
3. Account for Bedding Depth
Remember that you’ll likely have 2-5 inches of bedding in your nesting boxes. Factor this in when determining height – measure from the floor to the bottom of the box, not to the top of the bedding.
4. Make Adjustable Boxes When Possible
If you’re unsure about the perfect height, consider making your nesting boxes adjustable or removable. This allows you to experiment until you find what works best for your specific flock.
5. Observe Your Chickens’ Behavior
The ultimate test is whether your chickens actually use the boxes. If they’re laying eggs elsewhere, your boxes might be too high or too low. Watch how they interact with the boxes and adjust accordingly.
Solving Common Nesting Box Problems
Problem: Hens Not Using the Boxes
If your chickens aren’t using your nesting boxes, try these solutions:
- Lower the boxes if they seem too high
- Place wooden eggs or golf balls in the nests to encourage laying
- Fold up any curtains temporarily so hens can see the nests
- Check for mites or other pests that might be making the boxes uncomfortable
- Assess the location – is it too busy, noisy, or brightly lit?
Problem: Egg Eating
Sometimes chickens develop the bad habit of eating their own eggs. To prevent this:
- Consider using rollaway nest boxes where eggs roll away after being laid
- Place wooden eggs in the nests to discourage pecking (chickens quickly learn that pecking hard objects hurts!)
- Ensure proper nutrition so chickens aren’t seeking calcium from eggshells
- Collect eggs frequently throughout the day
Nesting Box Size Considerations
While we’re primarily discussing height, it’s worth mentioning that size matters too. Here are some recommended dimensions for nesting boxes:
- For bantams: 10″ wide x 10″ deep x 12″ high
- For medium breeds: 12″ wide x 12″ deep x 14″ tall
- For large breeds: 14″ wide x 12″ deep x 14″ tall
If you have chickens of various sizes, either go with the middle size or provide different sizes to accommodate everyone.
Best Practices for Nesting Box Placement
Beyond height, here are some additional tips for optimal nesting box placement:
- Location: Place boxes in a quiet, low-traffic area of the coop
- Quantity: Provide 1 nesting box for every 3-4 hens (minimum)
- Lighting: Keep boxes somewhat darkened to encourage laying
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow while avoiding drafts
- Roost positioning: Keep roosts higher than nesting boxes to prevent chickens from sleeping in the boxes
- Direction: In hot climates, avoid placing boxes on south or west-facing walls to prevent overheating
Real Examples from Chicken Keepers
Let me share a few real-world examples from experienced chicken keepers:
Example 1: One chicken keeper with a walk-in coop placed their nesting boxes at floor level inside the coop, with the coop elevated 2.5 feet above ground. They created access doors on the outside for egg collection – brilliant design that works well for both chickens and humans!
Example 2: Another person with standard breeds installed their boxes at 20 inches height and added a small perch in front. They found this height perfect for their Orpingtons and Rhode Island Reds.
Example 3: A keeper with older joints built their entire coop 3.5 feet off the ground with a 6-foot long ramp for the chickens. The nesting boxes were at floor level inside the elevated coop, making egg collection from the outside very comfortable.
DIY Adjustable Nesting Box Ideas
If you’re handy, consider making adjustable nesting boxes:
- Hanging boxes that can be raised or lowered with hooks
- Stackable boxes that can be rearranged as needed
- Shelf-style boxes with multiple height options
- External boxes that attach to the coop at various heights
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect height for your chicken nesting boxes might take some experimentation, but the general range of 16-24 inches works for most situations. Remember that the specific needs of your chickens and your own physical comfort should guide your decision.
What’s most important is observing your chickens’ behavior and being willing to make adjustments. After all, happy hens lay more eggs, and that’s what we’re all aiming for!
Have you found a nesting box height that works particularly well for your flock? Or maybe you’ve come up with a creative solution for your coop design? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
This article was last updated on September 12, 2025, and reflects current best practices for chicken nesting box placement.
Dirty or broken eggs
This is a super common issue in the coop and can easily be remedies with the following solutions:
- Add a perch to the front of the nesting box so the lend has a place to land before gently walking into the nest
- Utilize a rollaway nest
- Add some wooden eggs to the nest
- Ensure that you are keeping the bedding fresh in the coop and nesting boxes
Hens not using the nesting boxes
- Lower the nesting boxes to the ground – sometimes the hens just don’t know that the nests are up there and need time to acclimate
- Add wooden eggs or golf balls to the nest – hens like to lay their eggs where other eggs are. This will encourage them to lay where you want them to.
- Spray for mites with Elector PSP – Sometimes mites can take up residence in the nesting boxes and will feed on the hens when they go in to lay their eggs. I know this product is pricy, but it’s the most effective and safest product on the market. There is no egg-withdrawl period after using it.
- Fold up the curtains – curtains are wonderful for privacy, but the curtains can also block the view of the nest. If the hens don’t know there’s a nest back there, they might never find it. Start by taping or stapling up the curtains until the hens are using the box regularly.
- Assess the location – Is it too busy? Noisy? Light?
While it sounds weird, hens will definitely learn to eat their own eggs once they figure out how tasty they are. All it takes is 1 broken egg in the nest and a curious hen… and it’s all over. Once a hen starts eating eggs, it can be really hard to get her to stop.
The best way to stop hens from eating their own eggs is to use a rollaway nest so that the hen never has the opportunity to eat it in the first place. If you don’t have access to one of these, using wooden eggs in the nest might help. It’s a shock to the hen to peck a wooden egg and that alone may teach her that pecking at eggs isn’t as fun as it once was.
What size should chicken nest boxes be?
FAQ
How high should a chicken nesting box be?
Yes, nesting boxes should be elevated off of the ground by at least 1 1/2 – 2 feet. This is to protect your hens while nesting, as well as protect their eggs. Should chicken nesting boxes be high or low? Nesting Box Height The nesting box should be at least 18 inches from the ground. You can place them higher.
How far off the ground should a chicken nest be?
Gail Damerow has written several books about keeping poultry, many of them available from the Cackle Bookstore. Generally, a chicken nest should be about 18 inches off the ground, but there are several factors that should affect the placement.
Where should hen nesting boxes be placed?
Improves chicken health. Deters parasites: mites, lice, fleas & flies as well as mice, rats, raccoons, coyotes, opossums and more! On SALE! Ideally, hen nesting boxes should be placed in a dark location within the chicken coop, lower than the roosts, but not beneath them.
Can a chicken build a higher nest box?
You can build higher nest boxes, but you will be faced with 2 things. Your chickens may decide not to use them for laying eggs. The may use as sleeping quarters. Second problem/issue, is,,,, the added height is not ideal for larger chickens. When chicken fly off, they need a good long horizontal open area in front.
Do hens need a nesting box?
Your hens need to feel safe in their box in order for them to want to lay eggs. In their mind, they are laying future generations of chickens, their nest needs to feel like a safe place to lay eggs. This means it should be protected from predators and the elements. The ideal location for a chicken nesting box is away from lots of traffic.
Do chickens lay eggs in a nesting box?
Chicken nesting boxes serve two purposes – laying eggs and hatching eggs. To encourage your backyard chickens to lay where you want them to, you need to provide for their needs in a nesting box. See Best Laying Hens- For Beginners, White Eggs, Brown Eggs for hen suggestions, and “ When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs? (And Why They Stop) “.
How high is too high for chicken nesting boxes?
General Height: Nesting boxes should typically be placed 12 to 18 inches off the ground. This height allows easy access for most hens while preventing other animals, like rodents, from entering the boxes.
How high off the ground should a chicken coop be?
Do chickens need a ramp to their nesting boxes?
Chickens don’t always need a ramp for their nesting boxes, as they can usually fly or hop up, but a ramp can be helpful for some breeds, older or less agile chickens, or if the boxes are too high to easily access. Ramps are a good option to consider if nesting boxes are more than 18 to 24 inches off the ground, if your chickens are a smaller breed, or if you have heavier breeds or those with clipped wings.
Do chickens like dark nesting boxes?
Yes, chickens prefer dark, private nesting boxes because this instinct is tied to their need for a safe, secluded place to lay eggs to protect potential chicks from predators. A dim environment makes hens feel secure, discouraging egg-eating, injury, and floor-laying, leading to cleaner, safer eggs and a healthier flock. You can create this by adding curtains or flaps to nest boxes or ensuring they are located in a quiet, secluded part of the coop.