After doing some research, I knew we needed one box minimum per two – four chickens and we started with six chicks… so two boxes it was! Chickens like it quiet when they lay eggs (they go into this weird trance like state) They need to feel secure and safe, which is why when you build these boxes, make sure they are not too big.

The Interior

Each box interior had to be approximately 12″ x 12″ x 14″ tall and separated by a ply wall to keep the chickens from bothering each other.

The Exterior

The outside needed to be weatherproof, and accessible via door to gather eggs.

The Nesting Box Door

This piece actually took some thought. Since this element of the coop would be jutting out it would need:

  • a roof
  • a cap style lid (with overhang)
  • to be secure – so predators couldn’t break their way in
  • lightweight enough to be manageable by one person
  • some way to be temporary propped up while gathering eggs.

If you take a close look at the pictures below, you’ll see that the hinge was offset so I could cover the joint between the door and the framing. ( since having a hinge facing upward toward the elements created a potential problem with leakage.)