Everything You Need to Know About Nesting Boxes for Happy, Healthy Chickens

by Dylan Stephen

Everything You Need to Know About Nesting Boxes for Happy, Healthy Chickens

Raising chickens isn’t just about collecting fresh eggs—it’s about caring for a flock that brings joy, life, and a little bit of farmyard magic into your day. If you’re anything like us, you want your hens to feel safe, comfortable, and appreciated. A proper nesting space is one of the most important ways you can give back to your hardworking girls.

Nesting boxes are more than just egg holders—they're where hens go to relax and do what comes naturally. A cozy, clean nesting space helps reduce stress, keeps eggs safe, and encourages regular laying. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from nesting box sizes and bedding options to cleaning routines and mite prevention. Throughout, we’ll link to products we love and trust—available right here in our shop.

Let’s build a nesting setup your hens will love. 

Ideal Nesting Box Size and Placement

Each nesting box should measure around 30cm x 30cm x 30cm for standard breeds. Larger breeds like Orpingtons or Brahmas may appreciate a bit more room. Nesting boxes that are too large may encourage multiple hens to crowd in together, which can lead to broken eggs. One box for every 3–4 hens usually prevents competition and keeps everyone happy.

Proper placement is just as important as size:

  • Off the ground: Raise boxes around 30–60 cm to discourage predators, pests, and drafts.
  • Lower than the roosting bars: Chickens instinctively seek the highest point to sleep—if the nesting boxes are higher, they may roost there and soil them.
  • Quiet and shaded: Choose a peaceful corner away from food, water, and high-traffic areas.

👉 Browse our Wooden Nesting Boxes – durable, easy to clean, and designed with hen comfort in mind.

Best Bedding Options for Nesting Boxes

Bedding isn’t just about comfort—it plays a vital role in absorbing moisture, insulating eggs, and discouraging pests. Let’s break down a few great options:

  • Dust-Free Pine Shavings: Soft, lightweight, and excellent at absorbing moisture. Always opt for dust-extracted options to prevent respiratory issues.
  • Natural Straw: Affordable and insulating. Straw is also easy to fluff and rearrange, which hens love. Be sure to replace it often to avoid mold or mites.
  • Reusable Nesting Pads: These are washable and long-lasting. Look for versions with a soft top layer and drainage holes at the bottom.

Shop your options:

How to Clean Nesting Boxes

Clean nesting boxes lead to clean eggs, healthier hens, and fewer pest problems. Here's how to stay on top of hygiene:

  • Daily: Remove soiled bedding, droppings, and any broken eggs. Give each box a quick fluff with fresh bedding.
  • Weekly: Remove all bedding. Scrub the box using a poultry-safe cleaner. Let it dry in the sun—sunlight is a natural disinfectant. Add fresh bedding before use.

Be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands afterward. For deep cleans, you can also sprinkle a bit of diatomaceous earth into the base of the box before bedding—it’s a natural way to deter mites and lice.

Preventing Mites in Nesting Boxes

Chicken mites are tiny but troublesome pests that can cause itching, stress, and reduced egg laying. Preventing them is far easier than treating an infestation.

  • Dust with Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle a light layer under bedding and in corners. It’s safe for hens but deadly to mites.
  • Use Herbal Mixes: Dried lavender, mint, thyme, and lemongrass naturally repel pests and keep the coop smelling fresh.
  • Rotate Bedding Frequently: Dirty or damp bedding is a magnet for mites—replace it regularly to keep them away.

Explore our preventative care products:

Encouraging Hens to Use Nesting Boxes

Sometimes hens need a little guidance. Here’s how to help them form good laying habits:

  • Add Fake Eggs: Place ceramic or plastic eggs inside boxes to give the visual cue that it’s a safe laying spot.
  • Keep the Boxes Clean: Hens will avoid dirty, smelly, or wet boxes. Keep them dry and fresh to encourage use.
  • Block Off Other Hiding Spots: If you find eggs under bushes or corners of the coop, try blocking off those areas to redirect them from laying there.
  • Make the Coop Feel Safe: Chickens lay best when they’re not stressed. Here’s how to do that:
    • Ensure the coop is predator-proof—reinforce with wire mesh if needed.
    • Maintain a consistent routine—hens are creatures of habit.
    • Minimize loud noises or sudden disruptions near the coop.
    • Keep lighting soft—natural or red-spectrum lights are best.

With a little patience and consistency, your girls will be laying in the right spots in no time.

Build the Coop Your Chickens Deserve

From cozy nesting boxes to the perfect bedding and preventative care, you’ll find everything you need to raise healthy, content hens in our shop. Every product we stock is something we trust and use ourselves.

👉 Browse our chicken-keeping essentials and help your flock thrive.

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