How Many Nesting Boxes Do You Really Need? A Quick Guide for Backyard Flocks

If you’re new to raising chickens, one of the first things you might be wondering is: How many nesting boxes do I need for my hens? The short answer is straightforward: 1 nesting box for every 4 to 5 hens.

But before you go and build or buy ten boxes for a flock of twenty, it’s worth taking a closer look at how chickens actually behave, and what makes a nesting setup work well. Overbuilding your nesting area is unnecessary, takes up valuable space, and can be a waste of money.

Why Fewer Boxes Actually Work Better

Chickens are social creatures with quirky habits. One of those quirks? They like to share. Often, they all want to use the same nesting box—sometimes even waiting in line for it. So while it might seem logical to offer each hen her own private spot, that’s not how things usually play out.

Here’s a general guide:

• 3 to 6 hens: 1 or 2 nesting boxes

• 7 to 10 hens: 2 to 3 boxes

• 11 to 15 hens: 3 to 4 boxes

• 16 to 20 hens: 4 to 5 boxes

Adding more boxes rarely leads to more eggs. Instead, it can cause squabbles over preferred spots and take up coop space better used for feeders, waterers, or roosting bars.

Additionally, chickens often develop strong preferences for a specific box. This can be due to lighting, airflow, or even where the box is located within the coop. You might notice that your entire flock insists on using just one or two boxes even when several are available. This behavior is perfectly normal and further supports the idea that you don’t need to overbuild your setup.

What Matters More Than Quantity

The number of nesting boxes isn’t nearly as important as the quality and setup. Here’s what makes a good nesting box:

• Clean and dry: Moisture invites bacteria and increases the risk of egg contamination.

• Private and dimly lit: Hens prefer to lay in quiet, darker spaces.

• Easy access: Both for the hens to enter and for you to collect eggs.

• Durable and easy to clean: The simpler it is to wipe down or hose off, the better.

For long-lasting, easy-to-maintain solutions, metal chicken nesting boxes are a great choice. They don’t absorb moisture like wood, they’re resistant to mites, and they hold up through all seasons—especially important for Canadian backyards.

Well-constructed boxes also help deter bad habits, like hens sleeping in the nesting boxes. Roosting in boxes can lead to dirty bedding, broken eggs, and more cleaning for you. A dedicated, properly installed metal nesting box discourages this behavior by providing the right environment for laying, not lounging.

Common Nesting Box Mistakes to Avoid

Many first-time chicken keepers go all-in on DIY setups or use whatever’s lying around. That’s not always a good thing. Here are a few things to avoid:

• Boxes mounted too high: Hens may ignore them if they’re too far off the ground.

• No bedding: Eggs are more likely to crack or get soiled.

• Too many boxes: It wastes space and can confuse or stress out your flock.

• Temporary materials: Milk crates, cardboard boxes, and plastic bins may work short-term, but they’re hard to clean and break down quickly.

Another common issue is placing boxes in high-traffic areas. If the boxes are in noisy or overly bright spots, hens may avoid them altogether. Placement matters. Ideally, boxes should be in a quiet, dim, and secluded part of the coop.

Pro Tips for First-Time Chicken Keepers

Getting your nesting boxes right is part of a healthy coop setup. Here are a few bonus tips to make your life easier:

Use fake eggs or golf balls: Place them in new boxes to encourage your hens to lay.

Keep boxes away from roosts: This prevents droppings from landing in the nest.

Clean weekly: Regular maintenance keeps eggs cleaner and discourages pests.

Use soft bedding: Straw, pine shavings, or nest pads protect eggs and provide comfort.

Label or number your boxes: Helps track which boxes are getting used most.

Inspect regularly: Make it a habit to check boxes for broken eggs, pests, or signs of illness.

Need ideas for a proper layout or setup inspiration? Check out our guide on how to choose the best chicken coop accessories to upgrade your flock’s environment.

Start Smart With a Durable Nesting Setup

Whether you’re building your first coop or looking to upgrade, it’s worth investing in equipment that lasts. Cheap materials might save you upfront but can cost more in maintenance and replacements.

Metal nesting boxes offer the durability, hygiene, and ease of use that plastic or DIY options can’t match. They’re easy to install, low-maintenance, and designed with hen comfort in mind. Plus, metal is less likely to harbor pests like mites or lice that often take hold in wooden boxes.

If you’re keeping chickens through wet or cold seasons, durability matters even more. Materials like plastic can become brittle in the cold, and untreated wood tends to swell, warp, or rot. Metal boxes hold up to the elements and keep your eggs cleaner and safer.

✈️ Shop our metal nesting boxes here
📍 Available for local pickup or delivery in the Cowichan Valley.

Two Final Thoughts

If you’re just starting out, don’t get overwhelmed by gear. Start with the basics and focus on quality over quantity. A solid nesting setup now will save you time, hassle, and broken eggs later.

Also consider how your nesting box fits into your overall coop design. Do you have enough ventilation? Are your feeders and waterers accessible? Nesting boxes are one piece of a larger puzzle.

And if you’re comparing setups, take a look at this guide to keeping chickens in cold climates to prep for winter, or read how to prevent broody hens from hogging boxes for flock behavior tips.

Happy chicken keeping!