They're also known as "drop down" nest boxes. Whatever they're called, the aim is simple: the design must roll the eggs away from the hen so that they keep clean, don't break and hens with a liking for a raw egg in the mornings can't get to them! The DIY roll away. I liked this one because it’s a simple box construction, but the actual nesting boxes are made from dishpans with the front cut out.

The soft pine needles will also make a good nest for hens, and you can have it for free if you have access to a local source. 4. Sawdust To make your nest box attractive for hens and conducive for brooding, you must place it in a safe, quiet, reasonably dark, and private environment. Unless you use ‘open plan’ boxes, the nest box should have a 4-inch lip to ensure the egg doesn’t roll out and break. Accessorize Your Nesting Box They do not care much one way or the other, but there are some decorations that are beneficial to your hens.This should give you a general idea of what’s available for use. An old cardboard box will do in a pinch, but it won’t stand up to too much usage. When making your boxes, ensure they have a steep pitch to the roof so that the hens can’t roost on top of them. It can be fun, and is certainly good if you're on a limited budget, to find ways of re-purposing wooden items which have the potential to become attractive, quirky nest boxes. Another favorite nest box is this community-style box with a roll-away egg tray that encourages eggs to roll forward into under the lid.

The small size can accommodate up to ten hens; the larger one, according to the manufacturer, up to 48 - although if they all decide to lay at once, they definitely would have trouble! Complete machines will not be accepted without prior consultation agreement should only be returned with prior Agreement with Aussie Chook Supplies. Begin to look at everything around you with a view to using it as a nesting box and you'll see plenty of options. If you can afford it, choose either metal or plastic as the material for your nest boxes. It's likely to be more expensive, but in the long run you will save money. And, because wood can harbour mites and fleas, a smoother material is beneficial for cleaning. There’s no exact ratio on how many boxes you should provide for your hen as it could vary significantly.Because the slanted top of the box makes roosting difficult, the outsides of the boxes will not get dirty. The perch on the exterior assists your hens in gaining their balance before entering through the entrance. The exterior panels are lined with ventilation holes. The trays are composed of plastic, making them simple to clean and resistant to rust and corrosion.

Any of these can be used for nesting materials, either separately or together. When supplies are good, I will fill a couple of boxes with pine needles, a couple with leaves, and a straw.

The box contains draft-free vents that adjust the temperature by allowing air to flow freely, keeping the hens happy. Reusing furniture that you can’t use for its regular purpose is a great idea! Upcycling at its finest! Only two of the panels or dividers have ventilation vents, though. It should’ve been better if all panels have vents. Easy Assembly: No tools required. You only need a screwdriver to attach the roosting poles, which can be done from the outside.