Keeping your hens happy isn’t just about providing food and water it’s about creating the ultimate cozy retreat for them to lay eggs comfortably.
Whether you’re a backyard chicken enthusiast or a homesteader looking for budget-friendly options, these 21 DIY nesting box plans will give your flock the luxury they deserve.
Get ready to boost egg production while saving money with these creative and practical ideas!
1. Classic Wooden Nesting Box
A simple, sturdy wooden nesting box is timeless.
Using scrap wood or plywood, you can build a functional and durable shelter that keeps your hens snug and protected.
Add a hinged top for easy egg collection!
2. Bucket Nesting Box
Got some old 5-gallon buckets lying around?
Convert them into space-saving nesting boxes by cutting an opening and securing them to a sturdy base. Bonus: They’re super easy to clean!
3. Repurposed Dresser Nesting Box
Upcycle an old dresser by removing drawers and adding dividers.
Not only does it look charming in a rustic coop, but it also provides multiple nesting spaces without extra effort.
4. Milk Crate Nesting Box
Stackable, breathable, and lightweight, plastic milk crates make excellent DIY nesting boxes.
Attach them to a wall for an easy-to-maintain setup.
5. Pallet Wood Nesting Box
Pallets are free, durable, and easy to work with! Constructing a multi-compartment nesting box using reclaimed wood is both budget-friendly and environmentally responsible.
6. Storage Bin Nesting Box
A large plastic storage bin with a lid is an excellent, weather-resistant option.
Just cut a hen-sized entrance and line it with soft bedding.
7. Barrels for Nesting Boxes
Old barrels make fantastic rounded nesting boxes, providing extra privacy for hens.
Cut openings, secure them to a stable base, and you’re good to go!
8. Upcycled Bookshelf Nesting Box
Give a discarded bookshelf a new life by adding dividers and nesting materials.
It’s an effortless way to create multiple nesting spaces.
9. Stackable Cube Organizer Nesting Box
Those cube storage organizers can be repurposed into modular nesting boxes perfect for small coops and maximizing space.
10. DIY Roll-Away Nesting Box
If you want cleaner eggs, build a roll-away nesting box where eggs gently roll into a collection area, reducing breakage and dirt buildup.
11. Metal Drum Nesting Box
Cutting a metal drum in half and securing it with soft bedding makes an ultra-durable nesting box that lasts for years.
12. PVC Pipe Nesting Box
For a modern touch, use large PVC pipes to create cozy, rounded nesting spots that are lightweight and easy to clean.
13. Straw Bale Nesting Box
A natural and biodegradable option, straw bales can be arranged as soft nesting areas that hens adore!
14. Cabinet Nesting Box
Convert an old kitchen cabinet into a functional nesting box setup.
The built-in shelves create the perfect dividers for multiple hens.
15. Laundry Basket Nesting Box
Drill holes into an old laundry basket and secure it to the coop wall for a quick and budget-friendly solution.
16. Cat Litter Box Nesting Box
Unused cat litter boxes are the perfect size and shape for nesting hens.
Plus, they often come with covers, offering extra privacy.
17. Wine Crate Nesting Box
Vintage wooden wine crates make adorable nesting boxes with minimal effort.
Stack them up for a farmhouse aesthetic.
18. Hanging Nesting Box
Attach boxes to the wall to create a floating nesting box, making cleaning underneath them effortless while keeping the coop clutter-free.
19. Wheelbarrow Nesting Box
Got an old wheelbarrow? Convert it into a portable nesting box that can be moved around as needed.
20. Repurposed Pet Carrier Nesting Box
An old dog or cat carrier with a cozy lining works as a perfect nesting spot with built-in ventilation.
21. Old Tire Nesting Box
Cut an old tire in half and fill it with straw or wood shavings for a durable and creative nesting area.
Final Thoughts
No matter the size of your flock, there’s a DIY nesting box plan to suit your needs and budget.
From rustic wooden crates to upcycled furniture, these creative ideas will make your hens happier, healthier, and more productive.
So, which one are you building first? Don’t wait your hens deserve the best!
