Building a Nesting Box for Free

It's amazing how many things you can make for your chickens with free pallet and crate boards.

For just the cost of screws and nails you can build any size nesting box for your chicken population.

First things first! You need to find a source for pallets and crates.

Your local grocer, farm supply, home improvement, supermarket, or tractor supply stores are great places to start.

 

Nest Box Materials and Tools: 

 (adjust amounts and supplies for more boxes)

Handsaw or circular saw

Drill with drill bit and screw bit
 Enough pallet or crate wood for your design

Enough wood screws for your design

Straw, dryer lint or paper shavings for bedding

The roof of this design is sloped to help keep the hens from roosting on the top, and the flat bottom allows the nest box to sit on any stable surface. It provides approximately 1 square foot of space per nesting box.

  Drill pilot holes in all pieces before screwing the nest box together, or the wood will likely split.

  

Once your basic nest box is built, add creative touches to it by painting it to your liking, adding decor, or even putting your hens names on individual boxes. Above all HAVE FUN CREATING!