Nesting Boxes are simply a box-like cubby that chickens will instinctively reside in when they are laying eggs. They are typically mounted off the floor and inside the coop, away from drafts. There are no hard and fast rules about their construction details, so long as they satisfy some basic requirements.

The bottom of the boxes should be lined with 2-3 inches of straw. This will provide a comfortable nest-like cushion for the chickens and a soft 'landing area for the eggs. The straw should be replaced every few days so be sure the boxes are placed so they are easily accessible. Often a row of nesting boxes is mounted along one wall of the coop, and a trap door is provided so that the boxes can be accessible from outside the coop for ease of cleaning and daily collection of eggs.

The actual size of the boxes should be 12-15 inches in all directions. They can easily be constructed from plywood or ¾" thick boards. For nesting boxes mounted over 18 inches off the floor of the coop, a ladder plank should be provided. Also, it is better if there is a landing area or deck immediately in front of the boxes. This way the chickens can hop onto this deck before entering the boxes. If the roof of the boxes is accessible from inside the coop, it's a good idea to make it sloping; this will discourage the chickens from using the top of the nesting boxes as a roosting area. However if you provide a perch and place it higher than the top of the nesting boxes, they will use the perch as they will instinctively prefer the higher location.

The usual recommendation is to provide one nesting box for every four female chickens. This seems like it may not be enough, but experience has shown that this will be more than adequate. Often times more that one chicken will share a nesting box, and of course all the birds are not laying at the same time. Do not be surprised if they all decide to use just one box and ignore the others. I am not sure of the reason for this but it is quite common.