Poultry Nest Boxes

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Poultry Nest Boxes
Prepared By Ahmad Raza
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Nest

• Definition
• A nest box is a place where laying
  hens deposit their eggs, either fertilized or
  unfertilized

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Purpose of Nest

• We use nest boxes due to following reasons
• To encourage hens to lay their eggs in a clean
  place in relative peace and privacy
• A properly built nest assures that eggs are kept
  in a good environment for collection or hatching
• No one will hunt for eggs particularly predators

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Best materials to Construct Nest

• The best materials from which to make chicken
  nests are those that are easy to clean and
  sterilize. For example, metal and plastic can be
  sanitized, bleached and scrubbed.
• In addition, these materials dont absorb
  chicken feces or the product you use to clean
  them.
• Conversely, wooden boxes are convenient and easy
  to fabricate, but a little more tricky to clean.

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Hens per nest box?

• Most chicken experts recommend an average of one
  nesting space per five birds.
• Others say no more than one nest per 3-4 birds.
• On the other end of the scale, the Department of
  Environment, Food and Rural Affairs advises a
  ratio of one nesting box to seven hens.
• Overall, the minimum standards suggest not
  over-burdening nesting boxes.

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3 Easy Steps to Build Your Own Nest Box

1. Obtain a balsa wood basket or similar type to
   modify. A half-bushel basket works well for a
   standard-sized chicken nest.
2. Cut three six-inch pieces of wire. Mark and drill
   a 4-inch-high piece of wood to go across the
   front entrance to retain straw. Make sure the
   wood is long enough to cover the front of the
   basket along the bottom. Also drill corresponding
   holes in the basket. Secure with the pieces of
   wire, making sure to tuck the ends of wire
   carefully beneath to protect chickens from
   getting cut.
3. Fill with straw and place in obscure place in
   henhouse where hens are invited to lay their eggs
   in privacy and security.

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3 Easy Steps to Build Your Own Nest Box
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Dimensions of Nest Box

• Nest boxes should be about a foot deep, wide and
  tall for standard breeds and 10" high by 12" wide
  and 10" deep for bantams. Larger standard breeds
  like New Hampshire and Jersey Black Giants need
  nests that are 12" wide by 14" high by 12" deep.
• Have an opening about a foot high in front for
  hens to enter.
• Have a wooden lip about 4 inches high across the
  bottom front to keep litter in place.
• Have a steep-pitched roof, as much as a 45-degree
  angle, so chickens dont sit on top and soil the
  nest during the night.
• Can be made of many types of scrap or new lumber
  and plywood.
• Should be secured about 3-4 feet off the ground
  to discourage predators from gaining access to
  the nest.

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Different Types of Nest Boxes
Big Bird Laying Nests
Conventional Laying Nests
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Plastic Nesting Box
Chick-N-Nesting Box - 1492
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15 Bird Metal Nest Box
Kuhl - 6 Hole Front Rollout Nest - Roll-6
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Kuhl - 2 Hole Nest With Plastic Bottom - K2P
Wooden Laying Nests
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Nest Pads

• Pads are designed with a slotted base not only to
  allow air circulation but also to allow droppings
  to go through the nest pad. This greatly reduces
  the bacteria growth due to wet nest material
• It has adjustable ends that allow it to fit
  practically all nests with a 12" front. It is 12"
  deep x 12" wide or 30.48 x 30.48 cm

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Nest Pads
Kuhl - Plastic Nest Bottoms - PNB
Kuhl - Plastic Nest Pads - KNP-11-40
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References

• http//www.backyardpoultrymag.com/4-4/top_10_nest_
  box_ideas_around_the_farm/
• http//www.backyardchickens.com/products/category
  /laying-nests-nesting-boxes