Want to build or fix up a coop but don’t know what size chicken nesting box to use? You’ve come to the right place!
I’ve been raising chickens for years and have experimented with many different sizes and styles of nesting boxes along the way. The type and size that you need depends on your flock and priorities and I’ll help you sort through every aspect.
I’ve also provided links to my favorite nesting boxes (DIY and pre-built!), plus solutions to common nesting box problems that you’ll likely encounter along the way. By the end of this article, you’ll confidently be able to build or select the best nesting box for your flock.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products (including Amazon). I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you! Regardless, I only link to products that I personally use on our homestead or believe in.
Chicken nesting boxes provide a safe, comfortable place for hens to lay their eggs. Their height above the ground is an important consideration for easy egg collection and chicken comfort In this article, we’ll look at the optimal height to place nesting boxes in the chicken coop.
Why Nest Box Height Matters
The height of the nesting boxes impacts both the chickens and the chicken keeper Here are some key factors to consider
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Ease of egg collection – Boxes that are too low can force you to crouch or stretch to reach eggs. Boxes too high can make it tricky to see into them to find eggs. The ideal height allows easy access.
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Hen comfort – Chickens like nesting boxes they can easily hop in and out of. If too high, hens may hesitate to use them or injure themselves flying up. Too low, and hens don’t get the sense of security they desire.
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Cleaner eggs – Nest boxes closer to the ground tend to stay darker and draft-free. This reduces temperature fluctuations and light exposure which can prompt premature incubation. Cleaner eggs with sound shells result.
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It’s bad for hens’ health if the boxes are too low, because they have to jump or stretch to get in. The right height reduces strain.
Recommended Nest Box Heights
Most experts recommend installing nest boxes 16 to 24 inches off the ground. This covers boxes for standard and bantam chicken breeds.
Here’s an overview of recommended heights:
- 16 to 18 inches – best for bantam chickens
- 18 to 24 inches – ideal for full-sized chickens
- Over 24 inches – too high for most hens
When it comes to your chickens, the right height will depend on their size and breed. It also takes into account bedding depth.
Tips for Getting the Height Right
As you determine the best nest box height:
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Match it to your chickens’ size – Scale the height to fit your hens. Lower boxes serve bantams best.
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Account for bedding – Leave room for 2-5 inches of litter. This gives a soft landing and absorption.
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Make lower boxes removable – Using standalone, movable boxes lets you adjust the height.
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Angle down entry holes – Sloping openings upwards makes high boxes more accessible.
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Provide steps – Little built-in ladders or ramps can help hens access boxes safely.
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Observe your flock – Note any difficulty or reluctance entering boxes and adjust accordingly.
Nesting Box Height by Chicken Breed
To find the right height, think about the breed and size of your hens. Here are suggested box heights for common breeds:
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16 to 18 inches: Brahma bantams, Pekin bantams, Polish bantams
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18 to 20 inches: Leghorns, Minorcas, Welsummers, Ameraucanas
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20 to 22 inches: Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks, Australorps, Wyandottes
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22 to 24 inches: Brahmas, Cochins, Faverolles, Jersey Giants
These heights suit most chickens of that breed. But individual size variations happen. Finely tuning box height to your particular flock takes observation.
Height for Different Nest Box Styles
Nest box design also influences appropriate height. Here are suggested heights for various setups:
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Roll-away nests – 17 to 20 inches (lower since hens must hop upwards into box)
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Chest-style boxes – 16 to 22 inches (lid provides extra security)
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Free-standing boxes – 16 to 24 inches (easy to adjust or move)
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Built-in boxes – 18 to 22 inches (fixed installation, so ensure height works for your chickens)
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Corner boxes – 20 to 24 inches (hens feel secure in corner location)
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Raised nesting platforms – 24+ inches (require built-in stairs/ramps for hen access)
Other Tips for Nest Box Placement
Proper box height is critical – but it’s not the only consideration. A few other tips on placement:
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Set boxes in a sheltered, draft-free area of the coop.
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Allow 2-3 boxes per 6-8 hens. Overcrowding stresses chickens.
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Opt for darkly lit boxes to mimic nesting spots hens seek naturally.
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Ensure the surrounding area is adequately ventilated to keep boxes clean and dry.
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Give hens enough head room to stand comfortably in the box.
Observe your flock to fine tune box height over time. The ideal height makes collection easy for you while keeping your hens comfy and content! Proper placement sets up your chickens for nesting success.
Hens not using the nesting boxes
- Put the nesting boxes closer to the ground. Hens may not know that the nests are up there at first and need time to get used to them.
- Hens like to lay their eggs where there are already eggs, so put golf balls or wooden eggs in the nest. This will help them lay down where you want them to.
- Elector PSP can be used to kill mites. Mites can sometimes live in the nesting boxes and eat the hens when they go in to lay their eggs. I understand that this item costs a lot, but it is the best and safest one available. There is no egg-withdrawl period after using it.
- Fold the curtains up. Curtains are great for privacy, but they can also make it hard to see the nest. The hens might never find the nest if they don’t know it’s there. Put the curtains up with tape or staples until the hens use the box every day.
- Assess the location – Is it too busy? Noisy? Light?
While it sounds weird, hens will definitely learn to eat their own eggs once they figure out how tasty they are. All it takes is 1 broken egg in the nest and a curious hen… and it’s all over. Once a hen starts eating eggs, it can be really hard to get her to stop.
The best way to stop hens from eating their own eggs is to use a rollaway nest so that the hen never has the opportunity to eat it in the first place. If you don’t have access to one of these, using wooden eggs in the nest might help. It’s a shock to the hen to peck a wooden egg and that alone may teach her that pecking at eggs isn’t as fun as it once was.
Nesting Box Size for Egg Laying
Chickens range from 2 lb bantams to 14 lb heavy breeds, so they definitely have different requirements. If you have chickens of all sizes, I’d recommend the middle size for standard breeds or provide a few different sizes, if possible!.
- 10” wide x 10” deep x 12” high
- 12” wide x 12” deep x 14” tall
- 14” wide x 12” deep x 14” tall
What size should chicken nest boxes be?
FAQ
How far off the ground should a nesting box be for chickens?
The best height for chicken nesting boxes is typically between 18 to 24 inches off the ground. This height makes it easy for the hens to get to the boxes and gives them a safe and comfortable place to lay eggs. It’s also a good idea to put the boxes somewhere quiet and away from people to encourage laying.
Do chicken nesting boxes need to be elevated?
If you’re limited on space, try stacking them vertically or putting a few on one side of the coop and a few on another. They can also be close to or on the ground, if you don’t mind getting down to get the eggs. Fill ‘Em Up!.
Do chickens like nesting boxes high or low?
The general recommendation regarding the right height for chicken nests is 18 to 20 inches above the floor. But that’s not a hard and fast rule. The proper height depends on breed and age, and the hens’ ability to access the nests.Feb 10, 2025
How high should a chicken coop be off the ground?
A chicken coop should ideally be raised 12 to 20 inches off the ground. This height helps protect chickens from predators and allows for easy cleaning underneath.