Are you pulling your hair out trying to figure out the right size for your chicken nesting boxes? Trust me, I’ve been there. When I first started raising chickens, I thought any old box would do – boy was I wrong! After years of trial and error (and many eggs laid in random spots), I’ve learned that nesting box size matters more than you might think.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about chicken nesting box dimensions, how many you need, and even share some DIY options that won’t break the bank. Because happy hens = more eggs in the right places!
The Perfect Chicken Nesting Box Size
Let’s cut to the chase – the ideal nesting box size depends on your chicken breed, One size definitely does NOT fit all when it comes to our feathered friends
Size Recommendations by Breed Type
| Chicken Type | Width | Depth | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bantam Breeds | 10-12″ | 10″ | 10-12″ |
| Standard Breeds | 12″ | 12″ | 14-18″ |
| Heavy/Large Breeds | 14″ | 12-14″ | 14-20″ |
I’ve found that standard breeds like Ameraucanas and Marans do just fine with 12″x12″x14″ boxes. But my bigger girls (looking at you, Brahmas!) definitely appreciate the extra room of a 14″x14″ box.
Something important to remember: chickens actually stand up when they lay eggs! Many beginners don’t realize this and make nesting boxes too short. Your hens need enough headroom to comfortably position themselves.
Different Types of Nesting Boxes
Before we go further into dimensions, let’s talk about the different styles available:
Individual Nests
These are the most common and typically what most backyard chicken keepers use. Each box is designed for a single hen, though you’ll often find multiple chickens trying to squeeze in together (they can be quite social during egg-laying!).
In my experience, individual nesting boxes are definitely preferred by most hens. When I installed both individual and group nests in my coop, the individual boxes consistently got more use.
Group/Community Nests
These larger nests can accommodate several chickens at once. The main advantage is they’re easier to build than multiple individual boxes. However more chickens means more opportunity for eggs to get broken as hens move around.
For group nests, provide about 9 square feet (3’x3′) of nesting space for every 100 hens.
Rollaway Nests
This is my personal favorite feature! These nests have a slightly angled floor so freshly laid eggs gently roll away into a protected collection area. This keeps eggs clean, prevents egg-eating, and even reduces broodiness since hens don’t see a tempting pile of eggs.
Trap Nests
These specialty nests have a door that closes once a hen enters, allowing you to identify which hen lays which eggs. Not common for backyard flocks but useful for breeders.
How Many Nesting Boxes Do You Need?
You might think each hen needs her own box, but that’s not the case! Chickens are communal and will often share nesting spaces.
The general rule is:
- 1 nesting box for every 4-5 hens
So for example:
- 6 chickens = 2 nesting boxes
- 12 chickens = 3 nesting boxes
I’ve noticed that regardless of how many boxes you provide, hens will usually have favorites that multiple birds will try to use at once. Don’t worry – this is totally normal chicken behavior!
Nesting Box Placement and Height
Where you put your nesting boxes matters almost as much as their size. Here’s what I’ve learned works best:
- Position: Place boxes in a quiet, darker corner of the coop away from feeding areas and high-traffic zones
- Height: 18-24 inches off the ground is ideal for standard breeds
- Relation to roosts: Always place nesting boxes LOWER than roosts (otherwise chickens will sleep in them!)
My first coop had nesting boxes placed right under the roosts… big mistake! Nothing like collecting poop-covered eggs every morning. ♀️
Should Nesting Boxes Be Elevated?
Yes! Raising boxes 18-20 inches off the ground serves several purposes:
- Keeps nests cleaner
- Deters rodents and snakes
- Discourages hens from scratching in the boxes (which can break eggs)
Exception for young pullets: If you have young hens just learning to lay, start with boxes closer to the ground, then gradually raise them as they get used to using them.
Materials for Chicken Nesting Boxes
You’ve got lots of options when it comes to nesting box materials:
- Wood: Most popular choice, durable and easy to clean
- Plastic: Lightweight and simple to sanitize
- Metal: Very durable but can be cold in winter
- Repurposed items: 5-gallon buckets, milk crates, plastic totes
For the inside of the box, consider:
- Straw
- Pine shavings
- Dried leaves
- Sand
- Shredded paper
- Commercial nesting pads
I personally use pine shavings in my boxes and change them weekly. The girls seem to like it, and it’s affordable and easy to compost!
DIY vs. Pre-Made Nesting Boxes
DIY Options
If you’re handy with tools, building your own nesting boxes can save money. Some popular DIY approaches:
- Modified 5-gallon buckets (turn on side, cut opening)
- Wooden boxes (12″x12″x14″ is standard)
- Repurposed dresser drawers
- Milk crates with one side cut out
Pre-Made Options
Don’t have time to DIY? Here are solid pre-made options:
- Basic plastic nesting boxes
- Roll-out nesting boxes (my favorite!)
- Metal nesting box units
Roll-out nesting boxes cost more upfront but save time on egg collection and cleaning. Plus, they keep eggs cleaner and prevent egg-eating behaviors.
Common Nesting Box Problems (And How to Fix Them)
Even with perfectly sized boxes, you might encounter these issues:
Hens Not Using Nesting Boxes
- Solution: Place wooden eggs or golf balls in the nests to encourage use
- Solution: Ensure boxes are in a quiet, dark area
- Solution: Check for mites or other pests in the boxes
Hens Eating Eggs
- Solution: Use rollaway nests
- Solution: Collect eggs frequently
- Solution: Place wooden eggs in nests (when hens peck these, they learn it’s not rewarding)
Dirty or Broken Eggs
- Solution: Add a perch to the front of boxes for easier entry
- Solution: Use rollaway nests
- Solution: Keep bedding fresh and clean
Hens Sleeping in Nesting Boxes
- Solution: Position boxes lower than roosts
- Solution: Block access to boxes at night (some boxes have flip-up perches)
Hens Sleeping on Top of Boxes
- Solution: Make tops sloped at 45° angle to prevent roosting
- Solution: Ensure roosts are positioned higher than nesting boxes
Tips for Training Hens to Use Nesting Boxes
If your chickens are ignoring your beautifully crafted nesting boxes, try these tricks:
- Start low: Place boxes on or near the ground, then gradually raise them
- Use decoys: Place wooden eggs or golf balls in nests
- Create privacy: Add curtains to nest box openings (seriously, this works!)
- Ensure comfort: Provide clean, soft nesting material
- Block alternatives: If hens are laying elsewhere, block access to those spots
Special Considerations for Broody Hens
If you want hens to hatch eggs, they’ll need slightly different accommodations:
- Size: Brooding nests should be larger – around 14″ square with 16″+ tall sides
- Location: A quiet, secure area away from the main flock
- Features: A 4-6″ lip at the front helps keep eggs and nesting material contained
After chicks hatch (about 24 hours later), remove the nest from the brooder so chicks can access food and water.
Real-World Examples from My Coop
I’ve tried just about every nesting box configuration possible, and here’s what worked best for my mixed flock:
For my standard breeds (Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks):
- 12″x12″x14″ individual boxes
- Positioned 18″ off the ground
- Rollaway feature
- Fresh pine shavings weekly
For my larger breeds (Brahmas, Cochins):
- 14″x14″x16″ individual boxes
- Same height and features
I keep my boxes about 6″ off the ground now with a rollaway feature. This has been the perfect compromise – high enough to keep things clean but low enough that my girls don’t lay eggs underneath instead!
While the “standard” nesting box size of 12″x12″x14″ works for most chickens, remember that your specific breeds might need larger or smaller accommodations. The most important factors are:
- Enough space for comfortable positioning
- Dark, quiet location
- Clean, comfortable nesting material
- Proper height off the ground
Whether you build your own or buy pre-made boxes, getting the size right will lead to happier hens and cleaner eggs. And that makes for one happy chicken keeper!
Do you have questions about sizing nesting boxes for your specific chicken breeds? Leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to help!
Chicken Nest Box Size and Placement
Location: Hens like to lay in a dark, safe area away from the traffic of the flock. Their nesting boxes should be placed off the ground at least a few inches. This provides the laying hens with privacy and keeps other birds away from the eggs. This higher elevation also may provide protection from some predators.
Its also important that they be lower than the lowest roosting poles in your coop. Chickens seek the highest roost for security at night. If your nest boxes are higher than your perches, some birds may sleep (and poop!) in them. This can cause them to dirty the eggs and potentially making them unsafe for eating.
Size: In general all poultry nesting boxes should be cozy without being tight. Adjust nest box sizes for different chicken breeds due to their varying sizes in your flock. The smallest box we would recommend for standard-sized breeds would be 10 inches cubed. Most commercial nest boxes for standard breeds are roughly 11 or 12 inches cubed. A little smaller would okay for bantams; 11″ – 12″ cubed should be large enough even for bigger birds like Cochins, Orpingtons, etc.How many: You do not need a nest box for every hen but you also dont want to provide too few boxes. Doing so can increase the likelihood of drama in your flock and could lead to broken eggs or “yard eggs” being laid outside the nesting boxes. Usually, one nest box for every 4-5 hens is enough. It is not uncommon for all the hens to lay in one or two favorite nesting boxes, even when youve provided many other nesting options!
Location: Ducks cannot climb very well, so their nests should be placed on the ground. If it must be elevated, make sure it is no more than a few inches off the ground, and watch your ducks to make sure they can get inside without any trouble and without risking injury. (Muscovies are a possible exception to this, since they may actually prefer higher nesting areas including elevated nesting boxes, trees, hay lofts, etc.). Place duck nest boxes out of high-traffic, wet, or dirty areas. To keep them clean and dry, put nests on one side of the coop or run area and waterers on the other.
Photo credit: Sasha Fox
Size: Duck nest boxes need to be big enough for a bird to get in, turn around, and sit, but not much bigger. Generally, ducks need larger nest boxes than chickens. 12 to 18 inches cubed is a good size. Make sure the box is not big enough for two or more ducks, especially if you want the ducks to incubate the eggs. Multiple ducks nesting in the same box can lead to broken eggs and/or poor hatch rates since the eggs may get cold between the moms. Also, when the eggs hatch, the mother ducks wont know which ducklings belong to them.
How many: If you are collecting eggs every day, one box for every 3-5 females should be sufficient. If you are using the boxes for natural incubation, each brooding female will need their own box. Bear in mind that ducks may not cooperate and choose to lay outside the nest boxes, no matter what you do. They can be stubborn like that!
Item added to your cart
Nest box sizes and placement are different for chickens, ducks, and geese. Providing your birds with the correct number of nesting boxes that are sized and situated properly can help ensure that your flocks eggs remain fresh and clean and are easy to collect in a timely manner. You can find tips for all three types of birds below.
BEST NEST BOX ~ THE ULTIMATE CHICKEN LAYING BOX
FAQ
How big should a chicken nesting box be?
Here are some critical facts about the structure of nesting boxes: Chicken nesting boxes must be at least 12 x 12 x 12 inches (30.48 x 30.48 x 30.48 cm). If you have larger chicken varieties, you may want to increase the size of the nesting box even more. This size just acts as a minimum, as anything smaller will be too cramped for your chickens.
How big should a chicken box be?
Providing boxes the right size for your flock will create an environment that encourages egg-laying and keeps your chickens comfortable. Remember, the standard size is 12 “x 12 ” x 12″ for most chickens, but if you have larger breeds like Brahmas, you’ll need to make the boxes a bit bigger.
How to choose nesting boxes for hens?
When it comes to nesting boxes for hens, finding the perfect dimensions can seem like a balancing act. Think of it almost like designing a cozy little room where your chickens can lay their eggs in peace and privacy.
How many nesting boxes should a chicken coop have?
Overcrowding in the nesting boxes can cause stress among your backyard chickens. While the general guideline is one box for every 4 to 5 hens, if your particular hens feel the compartments are too crowded, they may not use them. This can result in eggs being laid in improper places around the coop.
How many hens can fit in a nesting box?
Individual nests are the most common design that you’ll see. They are sized to fit 1 hen, however, you may notice 2 (or 3!) trying to squeeze in there at a time. Egg laying can be a social event sometimes. In my experience, individual nesting boxes are the style that hens enjoy the most.
Where should a chicken nesting box be placed?
A good rule of thumb is to place your chicken nesting box in a quiet and dark corner of the coop. Typically, hens prefer laying eggs in boxes that are in less-populated areas, providing them the privacy and calm they need. Moreover, you may want to avoid positioning the nest box near the feeding station or under the perches.
Do chickens like nesting boxes high or low?
Chickens generally prefer nesting boxes that are elevated from the floor but lower than the roosts to avoid sleeping in them and dirtying the eggs, with an ideal height of about 18 to 24 inches. While hens will adapt to boxes on the floor or higher up, raised boxes provide benefits like predator protection and cleaner eggs. However, ensure the boxes are low enough for hens to access comfortably and high enough to deter them from roosting in them overnight.
Which direction should chicken nesting boxes face?
One rule of thumb for your nesting boxes is to have the back of them facing outside the coop.
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 prefer enclosed laying boxes?
Chickens usually prefer their nesting boxes because they are a safe and secure cozy place to lay their eggs. And let’s face it, we want them to lay there especially if your chickens are free-range.