Humans have been keeping chickens for hundreds of years. Popular for their meat, eggs and feathers, chickens are generally low-maintenance. Laying hens are particular about where they lay their eggs and may not lay if they are stressed or feel vulnerable. Constructing a simple nesting area for your hens will not only make gathering eggs easier, but also will make your hens feel safe and secure.
Instructions
How to Build a Chicken Nest
1. Set your plywood sheet on a flat surface and determine where you want your nests. You will be making four nests for your hens, so evenly space your nesting areas along your board. Place an X on your board to designate where you will attach your nests once they are complete.
2. Wash your buckets thoroughly. You hens will be spending a lot of time inside their nests, so be sure that you wash out any harmful substances that might make your hens ill. Avoid using any buckets that contained chemicals or pesticides.
3. Lay one of your buckets down and measure up 12 inches from the bottom, noting that distance with your marker. Use your saw to cut the top off of your bucket, taking care to cut it evenly. This will be the front of your nest box, so any rough edges might injure your hens. Measure and trim your remaining three buckets to complete your nest bases.
4. Hold your nest base with the bottom facing down over the first mark on your plywood. Attach it firmly with two screws in the upper part of the bucket. Be sure to use flat screws that will not protrude from your bucket to keep you hens from hurting themselves while in the nest. Continue the mounting process with your remaining nest bases, mounting each over the X you marked out previously. Pull down gently on them to make sure they will not shift or slip when your hens hop up in them.
5. Push your nest platform against an empty wall in your henhouse and secure it to the wall with your drill. One screw in each corner of your board will be sufficient to keep it firmly against the wall and will allow you to remove it without too much trouble if necessary.
6. Fill each nest box with clean straw to provide a soft nest for your hens. Look over the straw carefully to make sure it is free of mold and debris that could harm your hens. The straw will prevent your eggs from damage and will keep your hens warm and comfortable in their new nests.
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