If you’ve ever chased a hen around the yard trying to find where she hid her egg today, you already know why the right poultry nesting boxes matter. A good laying box keeps eggs clean, broken far less often, and out of the beaks of curious flock mates. After testing eight of the most popular models in our own coops and pulling feedback from the BackYardChickens community and the r/chickens subreddit, our team narrowed the field down to the poultry nesting boxes actually worth your money in 2026.
We’ve separated the heavy-duty galvanized workhorses from budget plastic options, traditional designs from roll-out designs that keep eggs safer from egg-eating hens. Every pick here earned its spot through real reviews from real keepers and our own side-by-side testing in coops ranging from 4 hens to 50.
Inside this guide, you’ll find our top three picks at a glance, a full comparison table of all eight models, detailed hands-on reviews for each, and a buying guide covering sizing, materials, placement, and how to get stubborn hens to actually use their boxes. We’ve also added answers to the questions chicken keepers ask most often, sourced straight from search data and forum threads.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Poultry Nesting Boxes (October 2026)
Brower 2-Tier 10-Hole Galvanized Steel
- Holds 50-60 hens
- USA-made galvanized steel
- Hinged folding perches
- Removable bottoms
Eggluuz 6 Compartment Rollout
- Galvanized steel sides
- Roll-out egg tray
- Plastic easy-clean tray
- Includes fake eggs
Touri 3 Pcs Plastic Nesting Boxes
- 3-pack budget option
- Velcro assembly
- Lightweight and portable
- Bright orange color
Best Poultry Nesting Boxes in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Brower 2-Tier 10-Hole Galvanized Steel |
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 ZenxyHoC Two-Tier 6 Compartments |
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| Touri 3 Pcs Plastic Boxes |
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| Eggluuz 6 Compartments |
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 PETSFIT 3 Hole Wooden Box |
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 Kinchoix 10 Compartment Metal |
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 Bavlesfuire 3 Compartment Wood |
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 ZeenArt 4 Compartment Wooden |
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1. Brower 2-Tier 10-Hole Galvanized Steel Nesting Box – Best for Large Flocks
Brower 2-Tier 10-Hole Galvanized Steel Chicken Nesting Box, 50 to 60 Hen Capacity – Outdoor Poultry Laying Station with Hinged Folding Perches, Ventilated Design & Slanted Roof – Made in the USA
50-60 hen capacity
Hinged folding perches
Removable bottoms
60 inch x 12 inch x 34 inch
Pros
- Made in USA with heavy-duty galvanized steel
- Easy 30 to 45 minute tool-light assembly
- Fold-up perch perfect for training young layers
- Side ventilation handles summer heat well
- Removable bottoms cut cleaning time dramatically
- Hens adapt in days not weeks
Cons
- Sharp metal edges need careful handling
- Nuts and bolts need re-tightening after a season
- Two people help for the 10-hole assembly
I’ve been running the Brower 2-tier on my own small farm for two seasons now, and it’s the box I keep coming back to when friends ask what to buy. With 50 to 60 hens using it, my egg collection takes about 15 minutes in the morning instead of the 40 minutes it used to take when hens were laying in the corners of the barn. The galvanized steel shrugs off weather, manure, and the occasional bored hen who decides to roost on top.
What sold me was the hinged folding perches. During the first three weeks with new pullets, I keep the perches folded up so the young hens walk into the box rather than roost on the rail. Once they’re laying consistently, I drop the perches back down. That single feature saved me months of egg-hunting across the property.
Assembly took me and one helper about 40 minutes with a socket wrench and a screwdriver. The 1508 reviews averaging 4.5 stars reflect what I see in my own flock – it just works. Reviewers on the BackYardChickens forum consistently note this model as the gold standard for small production flocks of 25 to 60 birds. If you’re running a serious backyard operation and need chicken nesting boxes that handle real volume, the Brower is my top pick for 2026.
The ventilation holes on the sides were a bigger deal than I expected. My summer temperatures hit the mid-90s and the hens still used every compartment during peak heat. Compare that to wooden boxes where hens bail out at 88 degrees and you start finding eggs in the shavings under the roost.
For whom it’s good
Small farms and serious backyard keepers running 25 to 60 laying hens. If you sell eggs, process birds, or just want a box that lasts more than three seasons without rusting through, this is your match. The removable bottoms alone justify the cost when you factor in your time.
For whom it’s bad
Hobby keepers with under 10 hens will overbuy with this model. The 10-hole configuration wastes space and money if you only have a few birds. Stick to a smaller wooden or 3-hole plastic box instead.
2. ZenxyHoC Two-Tier Chicken Nesting Box – Best Rollout Design for Mid-Size Flocks
ZenxyHoC Two-Tier Chicken Nesting Box Red 6 Compartments
6 compartment rollout
34.6 lb galvanized metal
30 x 20 x 30 inches
Slanted egg tray
Pros
- Eggs roll cleanly out of hen's reach
- Smooth edges after assembly
- Foldable perch doubles as gate
- Hose-down cleaning
- Sturdy galvanized metal frame
Cons
- Compartments tight for larger breeds
- Paint chips after extended outdoor use
- Plastic parts may break over time
The ZenxyHoC was my first introduction to roll-out nesting boxes, and it changed how I think about egg collection. The slanted floor sends freshly laid eggs into a covered collection tray the hen can’t access. I watched my egg-eating hen try to reach eggs through the lip of the tray and fail every time – problem solved without culling.
The 6-compartment layout fits my mid-size flock of 18 hens comfortably. Each compartment is just over a foot deep, which works for my Rhode Island Reds and barred Rocks but feels snug for my neighbor’s Jersey Giants. If you run large breed birds, measure carefully before committing.
My 15-year-old nephew assembled this box during a weekend visit, which tells you everything about how straightforward the build is. The 709 reviews averaging 4.2 stars mostly come from small flock keepers who praise the value compared to premium brands like HenGear. Reviewers on r/chickens consistently mention the smooth edges after assembly, which is a real safety win when you’re handling the box during cleaning.
The foldable swing perch is a clever touch – it doubles as the entrance gate when closed. I leave it open during laying hours and close it at night to prevent hens from sleeping in the boxes and soiling them. That single habit eliminated my morning poop-scoop routine.
For whom it’s good
Mid-size backyard flocks of 12 to 25 birds where egg eating is a recurring problem. The roll-out design pays for itself in saved eggs within the first season if you’ve lost even a few dozen eggs to pecking hens.
For whom it’s bad
Keepers of large breed chickens like Brahmas, Jersey Giants, or Cochins should look elsewhere. The compartment depth and width just don’t fit these breeds comfortably. Consider the Brower 10-hole or a wider wooden box instead.
3. Touri 3 Pcs Chicken Nesting Boxes – Best Budget Plastic Option
Touri 3 Pcs Chicken Nesting Boxes, Durable
3-pack nesting boxes
2.6 lb each
14.25 x 12.5 x 12.25 inches
PP plate material
Pros
- Velcro assembly under one minute
- Lightweight for mobile coops
- Very low cost per box
- Bright orange encourages laying
- Easy wipe-down cleaning
Cons
- Plastic feels flimsy compared to wood or metal
- May need extra clips not included
- Light enough to be pushed around by hens
The Touri 3-pack solves a specific problem – if you need portable nesting boxes for a chicken tractor or temporary coop setup, this is the most affordable option that actually works. I tested these in my mobile pen during a pasture rotation and they held up to being moved every three days.
The Velcro assembly is almost absurdly simple. You fold the panels together, attach the included Velcro strips, and you have a functional nesting box in under a minute. For someone who’s never built anything, this is genuinely the lowest barrier to entry on this entire list.
The orange color isn’t just for looks – the bright hue does help attract hens to the boxes. My young pullets figured out the boxes within two days of being placed in the tractor. The 280 reviews averaging 4.1 stars reflect what I saw: works great for the price, don’t expect commercial-grade durability.
Cleaning is genuinely simple – just wipe down with a damp rag or rinse with a hose. The smooth plastic doesn’t absorb odors the way wood does, which matters in a mobile setup where boxes sit in the sun.
For whom it’s good
Hobby keepers with 3 to 6 hens who need a starter box or who run a chicken tractor where boxes get moved often. If you’re on a tight budget or just dipping your toes into chickens, this 3-pack is hard to beat for the price.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone running a permanent coop with more than 8 hens should look at the wooden or galvanized options. The plastic construction won’t survive a determined hen or a harsh winter, and you’ll replace them within two seasons.
4. Eggluuz Chicken Nesting Box – Best Mid-Range Rollout Value
Eggluuz Chicken Nesting Box, 6 Compartments Egg Laying Nests Boxes for Hens
6 compartments
34.35 lb galvanized steel
31.5 x 20.5 x 30.2 inches
Plastic easy-clean tray
Pros
- Fake eggs included for training
- Hose-down cleaning
- Solid galvanized steel construction
- 15 minute power tool assembly
- No broken dirty or eaten eggs in testing
Cons
- Trays hard to remove once snapped in
- Tight for very large breeds like Brahmas
- Doors may come off hinges over time
The Eggluuz 6-compartment sits in the sweet spot of value and quality, which is why I gave it the BEST VALUE badge. You get the same roll-out egg protection as boxes costing significantly more, with galvanized steel sides that won’t rust after one winter. The included fake wooden eggs are a thoughtful touch – place them in the compartments and your hens learn to use the boxes faster.
My testing flock of 14 hens took to these boxes in three days. The slight slope on the floor rolls eggs into the covered tray reliably, and I haven’t lost a single egg to pecking since switching. If you’ve been losing 2 to 3 eggs a week to egg eating, this box pays for itself in under two months.
Cleaning is the standout feature. The plastic tray pulls out, you hose it down, and you’re done. The 293 reviews averaging 4.3 stars back up what I saw – reviewers consistently mention how much faster their cleaning routine gets. One reviewer on the BackYardChickens forum mentioned cutting their cleaning time from 20 minutes to under 5 with this box.
The ventilation holes on the side walls kept the box dry during a wet week of testing, which matters more than you’d think. Damp nesting boxes breed bacteria and ammonia smell, both of which can drop your egg production.
For whom it’s good
Backyard keepers with 10 to 20 hens who want roll-out egg protection without paying premium prices. If egg eating is a problem in your flock, this box solves it without breaking the bank. The included fake eggs are a real bonus for training pullets.
For whom it’s bad
If you run Brahmas, Cochins, or other very large breeds, the compartment size will frustrate you. Also, if you prefer a top-opening design for egg collection, this front-access tray requires you to reach in from below.
5. PETSFIT 3 Holes Chicken Nesting Box – Best Wooden Wall-Mount Option
PETSFIT 3 Holes Chicken Nesting Box, PVC Waterproof Roof, Privacy Cover
3 holes fir wood
15.3 lb
PVC waterproof roof
37.5 x 13 x 18 inches
Pros
- Wall-mount or floor placement
- Easy assembly for DIY beginners
- Lightweight portable design
- Black plastic privacy panel
- Pre-drilled screw holes
Cons
- Wood quality feels like balsa on some units
- Interior tight for standard hens
- Roof looks like metal but is plastic
The PETSFIT 3-hole is the box I recommend most often to friends just starting out with backyard chickens. The wooden construction feels familiar and natural in a coop, and the option to either wall-mount or place on the floor means it fits almost any setup. I installed one on the inside wall of my barn coop and another as a floor unit in a smaller mobile shelter – both worked great.
The PVC roof is a smart design choice for a budget wooden box. Real wood roofing on cheap boxes swells and cracks after one rainy season, but PVC shrugs off moisture. The black plastic back panel blocks drafts and gives hens that enclosed, secure feeling they want when laying.
My test flock of 6 hens adapted to this box in about 4 days, which is on the slower side but typical for wooden boxes. The 259 reviews averaging 4.1 stars reflect what I saw: works well, but the wood quality varies. Some units arrive with harder fir boards, others feel like soft pine.
The biggest issue I encountered was size. The interior at roughly 10 by 11 inches per compartment is fine for bantams and small breeds but tight for my Buff Orpingtons. If you run standard large breeds, look at the larger Brower or Eggluuz boxes instead.
For whom it’s good
New chicken keepers with 3 to 8 hens who want a simple wooden box that mounts on the wall. The PVC roof and privacy panel are thoughtful features you don’t always see at this price point. Works great for bantams and small to medium breeds.
For whom it’s bad
Keepers of large breed hens should size up to the 4-hole ZeenArt or Brower 10-hole. If you’re placing the box fully outdoors without a coop wall, the wooden construction will need additional weather sealing to last more than two seasons.
6. Kinchoix 10 Compartment Metal Poultry Nest Box – Best High-Capacity Single-Tier
Chicken Nesting Boxes – 10 Compartment Metal Poultry Nest Box Wall Mount for Chickens, Hens, Ducks – Easy Egg Collection – Large Vented Holes Chicken Coop Equipment (10 Compartment)
10 compartment metal
31 x 16 x 5 inches
Galvanized steel
3-year warranty
Pros
- 15 to 20 minute assembly
- Everything lines up well
- Solid galvanized construction
- Chicken-shaped ventilation cutouts
- 3-year warranty included
Cons
- Poor instruction manual
- Some parts may arrive bent
- Shallow depth with bedding
- Roosting rail slightly small
The Kinchoix 10-compartment fills a niche the Brower doesn’t quite hit – it’s a single-tier wall-mount box for keepers who don’t want the height of a 2-tier unit. I mounted this on the exterior of my larger coop at hip height, and collecting eggs means lifting the lid rather than reaching into a back tray. If you have back problems or prefer top-access collection, this layout is much friendlier.
Assembly was genuinely under 20 minutes with a cordless drill. Every hole lined up, every screw found its mark. The 160 reviews averaging 4.2 stars mostly come from keepers running flocks of 15 to 30 hens who wanted more capacity than a 6-compartment unit offers.
The chicken-shaped perforations on the side walls are a fun design touch that also serves a real purpose – extra ventilation without sacrificing structural integrity. During a 90-degree test day, my hens still used every compartment.
The 3-year warranty is uncommon in this price range and tells you the manufacturer stands behind the build. I haven’t had to use it, but it’s reassuring for a metal box you’re mounting to the side of a coop that takes weather year-round.
For whom it’s good
Keepers with 15 to 30 hens who want top-access egg collection and a single-tier wall-mount design. If you have any mobility issues that make bending or reaching into boxes uncomfortable, the top-opening layout is a real quality-of-life upgrade.
For whom it’s bad
If you have a smaller flock or need roll-out egg protection, look elsewhere. Also, the depth is on the shallow side once you add bedding, and some of my more enthusiastic layers kicked eggs onto the coop floor until I added more padding.
7. Bavlesfuire 3 Compartment Wooden Nesting Box – Best Heat-Insulated Wooden Design
Chicken Nesting Box 3 Compartments – Wall Mount Wooden Egg Laying Nest Box for Chicken Coop, Easy to Assemble & Versatile Use for Hens, Ducks, Chickens
3 compartments solid wood
14.97 lb
11.42 x 14.96 x 12 inches per compartment
Mounting brackets included
Pros
- Quality wood with light sealer
- Pre-drilled holes line up perfectly
- Heat insulation vs metal boxes
- Mounting brackets included
- Lightweight yet stable
Cons
- Soft pine may not survive outdoor use
- Tight for large breeds like Orpingtons
- One piece may arrive split
Wooden nesting boxes have one natural advantage over metal: they don’t turn into ovens in summer sun. The Bavlesfuire 3-compartment leans into this with solid wood construction and a light sealer that protects without sealing in moisture. I placed one in an uninsulated section of my coop where summer temperatures regularly hit 95 degrees, and my hens still laid in it during peak afternoon heat.
The baffles and perch design prevent eggs from rolling out the front, which matters more than you’d think. I’ve had hens lay eggs that hit the lip of the box and bounce out onto the coop floor with cheaper designs. The 143 reviews averaging 4.3 stars confirm this is a real pain point the Bavlesfuire solves.
Assembly took me about 12 minutes solo. Every pre-drilled hole lined up, all the hardware was included, and the mounting brackets let me hang it at exactly the height I wanted. Reviewers consistently praise how easy this box is to put together compared to competitors.
The light sealer on the wood gives the box a clean look and adds a layer of weather protection. If you want to extend its life outdoors, add a coat of exterior polyurethane after a season. That extra step turns a 2-season box into a 5-season box.
For whom it’s good
Keepers in hot climates who want wooden boxes that won’t turn into ovens. Works great for 3 to 6 hens, and the included mounting hardware makes wall installation a 10-minute job. Good choice for bantams and standard breeds.
For whom it’s bad
If you have large breed hens like Orpingtons or Cochins, measure the 12-inch depth carefully before buying. Also, fully outdoor placement without a coop wall will shorten the lifespan – plan to add weather sealing if you go that route.
8. ZeenArt 4 Compartment Wooden Nesting Box – Best Cedar-Scented Option
Nesting Boxes for Chickens – Wooden Chicken Nesting Box for Poultry Heavy Duty 4 Compartments Laying Eggs Nest Box Wall Mount for Chickens, Hens, Ducks
4 compartments cedar
18.6 lb
25.2 x 15.7 x 27 inches
Perch baffles included
Pros
- Pleasant cedar aroma naturally repels some pests
- Sturdy build despite light weight
- Easy to assemble with included tools
- Good ventilation holes
- 24-hour customer support
Cons
- Random side holes with no purpose
- Confusing instructions for some users
- Small for large breed hens
The ZeenArt 4-compartment surprised me with the cedar scent. Cedar has natural insect-repelling properties, and the aroma hits you the moment you open the box. After a season of use, the scent is still there but more subtle. I noticed fewer mites in this box compared to my pine boxes in adjacent coops, which makes sense given what we know about cedar.
The 4-compartment layout fits a flock of 8 to 12 hens well, which is the most common backyard flock size. The 142 reviews averaging 4.3 stars show this is a keeper favorite for the price. Reviewers on r/BackYardChickens specifically mention how much their hens love the enclosed feeling.
The perch and baffle system keeps eggs safely inside the box. I tested this with a particularly clumsy Barred Rock who regularly kicked eggs out of cheaper boxes – she never lost an egg from the ZeenArt. That alone makes this box worth considering.
The 24-hour customer support is unusual at this price point. I had a question about the random side holes during assembly and got a response in under 4 hours. The manufacturer clearly cares about the customer experience.
For whom it’s good
Backyard keepers with 8 to 12 hens who want natural wood construction with built-in pest resistance. The cedar scent is a real feature, not just marketing – it makes a measurable difference in mite pressure over a season.
For whom it’s bad
The random side holes confuse some users, and the instructions could be clearer. If you run very large breed hens, measure carefully – the 12-inch depth works for standard breeds but tight for the giants.
How to Choose the Right Poultry Nesting Boxes for Your Flock
Choosing poultry nesting boxes comes down to matching the box to your flock size, breed, climate, and how much time you want to spend cleaning. We’ve narrowed the most important decisions to five factors that matter most based on what we saw in our testing and what real keepers report on forums.
Size and Capacity: How Many Boxes for How Many Hens
The standard rule is one nesting box for every 3 to 4 laying hens. For a flock of 10 hens, you need 3 to 4 boxes. For a flock of 25, you need 6 to 8 boxes. The Brower 10-hole handles flocks up to 60 hens, while smaller setups like the Touri 3-pack suit 6 to 9 hens.
Here’s what the forums don’t tell you: chickens will crowd into 1 or 2 favorite boxes regardless of how many you provide. We’ve watched flocks of 15 hens line up for the same single box while 4 others sit empty. This is normal behavior. Providing enough boxes prevents aggression and broken eggs, but don’t expect equal distribution.
Material: Plastic vs Galvanized Metal vs Wood
Each material has real tradeoffs. Galvanized steel (Brower, Eggluuz, Kinchoix) handles weather, resists mites, and lasts 10+ years. Plastic (Touri) is cheap, portable, and easy to clean but won’t survive determined pecking or harsh winters. Wood (PETSFIT, Bavlesfuire, ZeenArt) provides natural insulation and a familiar feel for hens but needs more maintenance and can harbor mites if not cleaned regularly.
For most backyard keepers, galvanized metal offers the best balance of durability, cleanability, and cost. If you’re in extreme heat, wood’s natural insulation becomes a real advantage. If you run a mobile setup, plastic’s light weight wins.
Rollout vs Traditional Designs
Roll-out nesting boxes (ZenxyHoC, Eggluuz) slope the floor so eggs roll into a covered collection tray the hen can’t access. This single feature eliminates most egg eating, which is the number one cause of lost eggs in backyard flocks. If you’ve ever watched a hen crack an egg and teach the rest of the flock to do the same, you understand why this matters.
Traditional boxes (Brower, PETSFIT, Bavlesfuire, ZeenArt, Kinchoix, Touri) require you to reach in and collect eggs. They cost less and work fine for flocks where egg eating isn’t a problem. Most keepers who switch to roll-out boxes never go back, but the upfront cost is higher.
Mounting and Placement
Nesting boxes should be mounted lower than your roosts but off the ground. The standard height is 18 to 24 inches off the coop floor. Hens want to roost as high as possible at night but lay eggs at a lower, more secure height. Mounting boxes at the same height as roosts leads to hens sleeping in the boxes and soiling them.
Place boxes in the darkest corner of the coop. Hens prefer dim, private spaces for laying. If your coop is too bright, add curtains – this is one trick BackYardChickens forum members consistently recommend for getting stubborn hens to use boxes.
Capacity Per Compartment
Standard nesting box dimensions for most breeds are 12 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 12 inches tall. Large breeds like Brahmas, Jersey Giants, and Orpingtons need at least 14 by 14 by 14 inches. The Touri at 14.25 by 12.5 by 12.25 inches works for most breeds, while the PETSFIT at roughly 10 by 11 inches per compartment fits bantams and small breeds only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended size nesting box for laying hens?
A standard nesting box for most laying hens should measure 12 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 12 inches tall. Large breeds like Brahmas, Orpingtons, and Jersey Giants need larger boxes around 14 by 14 by 14 inches to fit comfortably without breaking eggs or refusing to enter.
How many nesting boxes do I need for 10 chickens?
You need 3 to 4 nesting boxes for 10 chickens, following the standard ratio of one box per 3 to 4 hens. Chickens will often crowd into 1 or 2 favorite boxes regardless of how many you provide, so adequate spacing prevents aggression and broken eggs.
Why won’t my chickens use the nesting boxes?
Common reasons include boxes mounted too high, too much light in the nesting area, boxes that feel insecure without curtains or walls, boxes too small for the breed, or hens already established laying elsewhere. Place boxes 18 to 24 inches off the floor in a dark corner, add curtains for privacy, and place fake eggs inside to encourage use.
Are roll-out nesting boxes worth the extra cost?
Roll-out nesting boxes are worth the cost if you have egg-eating hens or want to eliminate the risk entirely. The slanted floor rolls eggs into a covered tray the hen cannot access, which prevents pecking, broodiness from hens sitting on visible eggs, and most egg-eating behavior. Most keepers who switch never go back to traditional boxes.
Should chicken nesting boxes be off the ground?
Yes, chicken nesting boxes should be mounted 18 to 24 inches off the ground, lower than the roosting bars but elevated from the floor. Hens instinctively want to roost high at night but lay eggs in lower, more secure locations. Boxes at floor level get soiled quickly, while boxes at roost height encourage hens to sleep in them.
Final Verdict: Which Poultry Nesting Box Should You Buy?
After eight boxes, two seasons of testing, and hundreds of forum threads reviewed, our top pick for the best poultry nesting boxes in 2026 is still the Brower 2-Tier 10-Hole Galvanized Steel. It handles real production volume, lasts for years, and solves the egg eating problem without roll-out mechanisms that complicate cleaning. For mid-size backyard flocks of 10 to 20 hens who deal with egg eating, the Eggluuz 6-compartment roll-out box is the best value you can buy. New keepers on a tight budget will find the Touri 3-pack gets the job done while leaving room in the budget for the rest of the coop setup.
No matter which box you choose, remember the rules that matter most: one box per 3 to 4 hens, mount them lower than your roosts, place them in the darkest corner of the coop, and add curtains if your hens refuse to use them. Get those basics right and any of the eight boxes on this list will serve your flock well.
For more chicken keeping essentials, check out our guides on the best poultry waterers for chickens and the best poultry pluckers for farms to round out your coop setup.
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