10 Best Nesting Boxes for Chickens for 2026
The ZenxyHoC Two-Tier Nesting Box is our Best Overall pick, and it suits keepers who want eggs to roll into a protected tray. Smaller flocks can choose the Two Compartment Plastic Nesting Box or the Two Compartment Roll Away Nesting Box. For more laying spots, try the Four Compartment Metal Nesting Box, VEVOR Six Compartment Nesting Box, or Eggluuz Six Compartment Nesting Box. Wood buyers can compare the Wooden Three Compartment Nesting Box and Matutinus Wooden Nesting Box, while metal fans can consider the Three Hole Metal Nesting Box or Redants Metal Roll Away Nesting Box.
Three factors decide the choice: how many hens you keep, how much coop space you have, and whether you want eggs to roll into a protected collection area. Plan on one box per 4–5 hens, and make each box at least 12 inches deep.
The comparison table compares each pick’s nest design, mounting, and compartments.
Our top picks for nesting boxes for chickens
- Best for Multi-Level Coops: ZenxyHoC Two-Tier Nesting Box suits coops that need wall-mounted, multi-compartment rollout nests.
- Best for Wall-Mounted Nests: Four Compartment Metal Nesting Box suits backyard keepers who want wall-mounted, roll-away egg collection.
- Best for Flexible Installation: VEVOR Six Compartment Nesting Box suits backyard flocks that need roll-away egg collection.
| ZenxyHoC Two-Tier Nesting Box |  | Best for Multi-Level Coops | Nest Design: Rollout egg collection | Mounting: Wall-mounted | Compartments: 6 compartments | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Four Compartment Metal Nesting Box |  | Best for Wall-Mounted Nests | Nest Design: Sloped roll-away egg collection | Mounting: Wall-mountable | Compartments: 4 compartments | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| VEVOR Six Compartment Nesting Box |  | Best for Flexible Installation | Nest Design: Roll-away | Mounting: Wall-mounted or floor, four support legs | Compartments: 6 compartments | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Eggluuz Six Compartment Nesting Box |  | Best for Easy Tray Cleaning | Nest Design: Roll-away egg collection | Mounting: Hanging holes | Compartments: 6 compartments | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Two Compartment Plastic Nesting Box |  | Best for Small Flocks | Nest Design: Sloped roll-away | Mounting: Wall-mounted or drill-free | Compartments: 2 compartments | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Two Compartment Roll Away Nesting Box |  | Best for Stackable Setups | Nest Design: Roll-away egg collection | Mounting: Wall-mounted or floor-standing | Compartments: 2 compartments | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Three Hole Metal Nesting Box |  | Best for Galvanized Steel | Nest Design: Roll-away egg collection | Mounting: Wall or beam mount | Compartments: 3 compartments | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Wooden Three Compartment Nesting Box |  | Best for Pull-Out Collection | Nest Design: Pull-out rod drawer | Mounting: Wall, floor, or stand | Compartments: 3 compartments | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Redants Metal Roll Away Nesting Box |  | Best for Outside Egg Access | Nest Design: Reversible roll-away | Mounting: Wall-mount; front or back | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis | |
| Matutinus Wooden Nesting Box |  | Best for Wooden Nest Spaces | Nest Design: Semi-enclosed, standard nest | Mounting: Wall-mounted or freestanding | Compartments: 2 compartments | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
ZenxyHoC Two-Tier Nesting Box
Owners of multi-level coops who need to save floor space will find this wall-mounted box useful. In open nests, hens can peck, step on, or dirty eggs. Pre-drilled holes let you hang it on the wall, and the slanted roof stops hens perching on top.
All hardware is included, but one owner reported incomplete or incorrect assembly diagrams. The foldable perch doubles as a gate that closes the box at night, which discourages overnight roosting. An owner said the entrance tray can flip up under a hen’s weight. Adding soft padding to the tray helps protect eggs, as the maker recommends.
What to check: This box hangs from pre-drilled holes, so measure the wall span you plan to use first.
Pros: Owners of a comparable ZenxyHoC model reported easy coop attachment (2026) · One owner said chickens liked the box (2024) · An owner reported smooth edges after assembly (2024).
Cons: An owner reported incomplete or incorrect assembly diagrams (2024) · An owner said the entrance tray could flip up under a hen’s weight (2024).
Skip it if: your coop has no open wall for a hanging unit or you dislike assembly, since the diagrams may be incomplete.
- Compartment Size:—
- Compartments:6 compartments
- Hen Size Fit:—
- Nest Design:Rollout egg collection
- Material:Galvanized metal
- Mounting:Wall-mounted
- Cleaning Features:Removable collection tray
Four Compartment Metal Nesting Box
Backyard keepers who want wall-mounted nests get a sloped floor that rolls eggs into a tray. The box has four separate laying compartments, and you don’t have to reach inside to find fresh eggs. Owners of similar metal roll-away boxes report cleaner eggs, and one says the design helps prevent egg eating.
Setup uses key-shaped hanging holes, and the screws, nuts and instructions come in the box. The plastic trays resist rust and pull out for cleaning, since the perforated bottom keeps water from sitting in the box. The main drawback is that owners raise concerns about sharp edges and corners.
Pros: Owners of similar metal roll-away boxes report cleaner eggs · One owner reports the roll-away design helps prevent egg eating.
Cons: Owners warn metal can feel uncomfortable in very cold weather · Owners raise concerns about sharp edges and corners.
Skip it if: your winters run very cold, since metal can feel uncomfortable to hens.
- Compartment Size:—
- Compartments:4 compartments
- Hen Size Fit:—
- Nest Design:Sloped roll-away egg collection
- Material:Galvanized steel; plastic trays
- Mounting:Wall-mountable
- Cleaning Features:Removable trays; perforated bottom
VEVOR Six Compartment Nesting Box
The unit has six 10.4 in compartments, each hole holding eggs from up to 5 hens, and you can hang it on a wall or stand it on the ground with four included legs. Angled trays guide eggs toward the collection area, and you open the handle to reach them.
The hardware and instructions come in the box, and assembly is reasonably simple. The trays detach for rinsing, and Drainage holes help prevent water buildup in them. Assembly is the weak spot. A 2025 owner reported trays that did not fit after assembly, and a 2026 owner found leg screw holes missing.
What to check: Look for model number CNB-06-Leg on the box so you get the four-leg version.
Pros: Angled trays route eggs to collection area (2026 listing) · A 2026 owner said it looked nice and was not too hard to set up.
Cons: A 2025 owner reported that the trays did not fit after assembly · A 2026 owner reported missing screw holes for the legs.
Skip it if: you need trays that fit on the first try, since trays can misfit and leg screw holes can be missing.
- Compartment Size:10.4 in compartments
- Compartments:6 compartments
- Hen Size Fit:—
- Nest Design:Roll-away
- Material:Galvanized steel, plastic
- Mounting:Wall-mounted or floor, four support legs
- Cleaning Features:Detachable trays, drainage holes
Eggluuz Six Compartment Nesting Box
Compared with the VEVOR Six Compartment Nesting Box, this one suits keepers who want easy tray cleaning. Sloped nest floors roll eggs into a collection tray, so you can gather them without reaching into the box. The galvanized steel sides and roof give the frame strength, and small bottom holes drain water and debris out.
Hanging is quick: the key-shaped hanging holes let you lift the unit on and off, and all screws and nuts come included. Rust-resistant plastic trays lift out for rinsing, while ventilation holes for airflow keep the nests dry. Owners report nesting material can block the roll-away and eggs can stay dirty when hens sleep and poop in the nests, so use light bedding.
What to check: Measure the wall space where the unit will hang, including room to lift it off its hooks.
Cons: Similar-style owner said nesting material can block egg roll-away.
Skip it if: your hens sleep in the nests and you need clean eggs, since owners report eggs stay dirty when hens poop there.
- Compartment Size:—
- Compartments:6 compartments
- Hen Size Fit:—
- Nest Design:Roll-away egg collection
- Material:Galvanized steel, plastic trays
- Mounting:Hanging holes
- Cleaning Features:Bottom holes; removable tray
Two Compartment Plastic Nesting Box
This two-nest box suits small backyard flocks that want eggs to roll out of reach of the hens. Each nest has a sloped floor that sends eggs forward to a collection area, away from the hen’s activity zone. Built-in vents promote airflow, and bottom drainage holes help prevent liquid from pooling.
You can mount these on a wall or place them without drilling, and reviewers report the boxes can be moved for cleaning. Reviewers also say the plastic feels less rigid than metal. The compartments can also be stacked, so you can add nests later without buying a new unit.
What to check: Measure your hens’ body width and compare it to the compartment opening.
Pros: Reviewer reports lightweight plastic construction · Reviewer reports roll-away design helps keep eggs clean · Reviewer reports boxes can be repositioned for cleaning.
Cons: Reviewer says plastic is less rigid than metal.
Skip it if: you keep bantams, because the compartment width may fit larger hens better.
- Compartment Size:—
- Compartments:2 compartments
- Hen Size Fit:Medium-to-large hens
- Nest Design:Sloped roll-away
- Material:All-weather plastic
- Mounting:Wall-mounted or drill-free
- Cleaning Features:Bottom drainage holes
Two Compartment Roll Away Nesting Box
This two-box set suits keepers who want stackable flexibility. The two compartments can be combined horizontally or vertically for expanded capacity. A sloped floor rolls eggs into a front drawer, keeping them away from the hens.
Pre-drilled holes on the back let you wall-mount it or set it on the floor. Built-in vents and drainage holes help keep the interior dry. Some hens take time to accept roll-away surfaces, and a few keep laying elsewhere. Fluffy bedding can stop eggs from rolling, so use flat nest mats instead.
Pros: Forum keeper described gradual bedding reduction to help hens adjust to roll-away pads (2026) · Forum keeper reported eggs rolled reliably after switching from fluffy fake grass to plastic nest mats (2026).
Cons: Some hens may need time to accept roll-away nesting surfaces (2026 forum discussion) · No owner feedback specific to this HVDI model was found.
Skip it if: your hens prefer fluffy bedding, since fluffy bedding can keep eggs from rolling.
- Compartment Size:—
- Compartments:2 compartments
- Hen Size Fit:Medium to large chickens
- Nest Design:Roll-away egg collection
- Material:—
- Mounting:Wall-mounted or floor-standing
- Cleaning Features:Ventilation and drainage holes
Three Hole Metal Nesting Box
Galvanized steel construction suits backyard flocks that want three roll-away nests. The rust-resistant steel shell resists rust, and a tilted floor rolls eggs forward under a lid. Each of the three compartments accommodates up to 3-5 hens.
The box ships with screws, nuts and instructions, and it mounts on a coop wall, inside the coop or from a sturdy beam. Some owners report unclear instructions and misaligned holes, and one owner says hens can lift the cover to reach eggs. The front swing perch gives hens a landing spot before they enter the compartments, and you can flush the box out with a hose.
Pros: Sturdy construction and easy mounting · Eggs roll into the collection area and stay clean · The vented metal design and front perch.
Cons: Some owners report unclear assembly instructions and misaligned holes · Some report eggs catching instead of rolling into the collection area.
Skip it if: you want one shared nest, because this box divides its space into three separate compartments.
- Compartment Size:—
- Compartments:3 compartments
- Hen Size Fit:Standard chickens
- Nest Design:Roll-away egg collection
- Material:Galvanized metal
- Mounting:Wall or beam mount
- Cleaning Features:Hose-cleanable
Wooden Three Compartment Nesting Box
Keepers with a small flock who want separate nests and pull-out egg collection will like this wooden unit. The unit has three separate nests with barriers meant to limit rolling. Eggs collect in a round internal rod drawer that you pull out, keeping them apart from droppings.
The unit mounts on a wall, sits on the floor, or fits a stand. Cleaning means unscrewing the side bolts to slide out the drawer for easy manure removal, but the drawer can wobble unless you retighten the bolts after every cleaning.
Skip it if: your coop can’t fit a box about 13 by 12 by 16 inches.
- Compartment Size:—
- Compartments:3 compartments
- Hen Size Fit:—
- Nest Design:Pull-out rod drawer
- Material:Wooden
- Mounting:Wall, floor, or stand
- Cleaning Features:Removable drawer; side bolts
Redants Metal Roll Away Nesting Box
Chicken owners who want outside egg access will value this reversible roll-away box. You can mount it on a wall, front or back, and eggs roll into a protected compartment you can reach from inside or outside the coop. Red curtains can be adjusted to suit your flock.
Assembly takes patience, and owners report unclear directions and missing parts. The kit includes screws, bolts, nuts, and a screwdriver. A lever lifts the panels to stop overnight roosting.
What to check: Lay out every screw and bolt before you start, and count them against the kit.
Pros: Clean eggs and effective roll-away collection (2026) · Sturdy construction without sagging or bending (2026).
Cons: Difficult assembly directions (2026) · Missing parts and difficulty reaching seller support (2026).
Skip it if: you lack wall space for a 24-inch-long frame or dislike building kits, since the directions can be unclear and parts can go missing.
- Compartment Size:—
- Compartments:—
- Hen Size Fit:Hens; up to 20+ claimed
- Nest Design:Reversible roll-away
- Material:Galvanized steel
- Mounting:Wall-mount; front or back
- Cleaning Features:Protected egg-collection compartment
Matutinus Wooden Nesting Box
Backyard keepers who want two wooden nest spaces, wall-mounted or freestanding, will like this box. The semi-enclosed design blocks some light and outside disturbance, and each compartment measures 13.5 x 13 x 15.5 inches. The edges are sanded smooth to reduce splinters, and the solid wood helps hold warmth in winter and keeps the inside cool in summer.
Pre-drilled holes make wall mounting quick, and assembly needs no complex tools. Owners say hens readily use the boxes, and one reported room for big hens. The short front lip is the weak spot, since one owner saw eggs and bedding pushed out of the nest.
Pros: Owners reported hens readily using the boxes · Owners described the wood construction as sturdy · One owner said assembly was quick.
Cons: One owner said the front lip was short · That owner reported eggs and bedding getting pushed out.
Skip it if: you need a high front lip to keep eggs and bedding in, since this design pushes them out.
- Compartment Size:13.5 × 13 × 15.5 in
- Compartments:2 compartments
- Hen Size Fit:—
- Nest Design:Semi-enclosed, standard nest
- Material:Natural solid wood
- Mounting:Wall-mounted or freestanding
- Cleaning Features:—
Nesting Boxes for Chickens: Key Specs Side by Side
Here is how the 10 picks line up on compartments, nest design, material, mounting and cleaning features. Cells marked with a dash are specs the maker leaves out of its listing.
| Pick | Compartments | Nest Design | Material | Mounting | Cleaning Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZenxyHoC Two-Tier Nesting Box | 6 compartments | Rollout egg collection | Galvanized metal | Wall-mounted | Removable collection tray |
| Four Compartment Metal Nesting Box | 4 compartments | Sloped roll-away egg collection | Galvanized steel; plastic trays | Wall-mountable | Removable trays; perforated bottom |
| VEVOR Six Compartment Nesting Box | 6 compartments | Roll-away | Galvanized steel, plastic | Wall-mounted or floor, four support legs | Detachable trays, drainage holes |
| Eggluuz Six Compartment Nesting Box | 6 compartments | Roll-away egg collection | Galvanized steel, plastic trays | Hanging holes | Bottom holes; removable tray |
| Two Compartment Plastic Nesting Box | 2 compartments | Sloped roll-away | All-weather plastic | Wall-mounted or drill-free | Bottom drainage holes |
| Two Compartment Roll Away Nesting Box | 2 compartments | Roll-away egg collection | — | Wall-mounted or floor-standing | Ventilation and drainage holes |
| Three Hole Metal Nesting Box | 3 compartments | Roll-away egg collection | Galvanized metal | Wall or beam mount | Hose-cleanable |
| Wooden Three Compartment Nesting Box | 3 compartments | Pull-out rod drawer | Wooden | Wall, floor, or stand | Removable drawer; side bolts |
| Redants Metal Roll Away Nesting Box | — | Reversible roll-away | Galvanized steel | Wall-mount; front or back | Protected egg-collection compartment |
| Matutinus Wooden Nesting Box | 2 compartments | Semi-enclosed, standard nest | Natural solid wood | Wall-mounted or freestanding | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Nesting Boxes for Chickens
The best nesting boxes for chickens match three things: how many hens you keep, how much coop space you have, and whether you want eggs to roll into a protected spot. Start with the count. Plan on one box per 4–5 hens, then choose size and design from there.
Box size and hen fit
Make each box at least 12 inches deep, with the height and width each between 12 and 15 inches (30 to 38 cm). A 15 × 15 × 12 inch box, listed as height × width × depth, falls within that range. Pick a size that lets your largest hen stand, turn, and settle without crouching. Fit varies by breed, so treat these dimensions as a starting point and watch how your hens use the box.
Compartments for flock size
Count boxes by the hen ratio, not by how much wall space you have. Use these starting counts:
- 6 hens: 1 to 2 boxes
- 12 hens: 2 to 3 boxes
- 20 hens: 4 to 5 boxes
A multi-compartment unit fits several boxes into one footprint, which saves floor space. The Four Compartment Metal Nesting Box is one example. Don’t stretch the ratio to save room.
Open or roll-away nest design
Open boxes with a front lip give hens seclusion and keep eggs from rolling out. Look for a 4–6 inch high front panel that provides that seclusion.
Roll-away boxes move eggs out of the hen’s reach. Owner reports on them are mixed. One keeper found eggs in a roll-away insert were clean and no longer pecked or broken, though some hens still laid elsewhere. Another owner found shell fragments and suspected egg eating, so they adapted a box to roll eggs away.
Other owners reported hens burying eggs with shavings or trying to pull them back out. These are individual experiences, not controlled comparisons, so treat a roll-away design as something to try rather than a proven fix. The Redants Metal Roll Away Nesting Box is one roll-away option to compare.
Material and coop placement
Mount every box at least 18 inches above the floor. Put it in a quiet, dim corner where hens aren’t pushed around by traffic. Choose wood or metal based on what you can clean and secure in your coop. The Wooden Three Compartment Nesting Box is one wooden option.
If you add a perch, set it parallel to the front and 6 to 8 inches out so hens can reach the opening more easily.
Mounting, bedding, and cleaning
Bedding protects your eggs. Keep 2–3 inches of clean, dry shavings in each box, which reduces egg breakage and soiled eggs. Handle the rest of the routine like this:
- Mount: Fix each box so it doesn’t shift when a hen steps in, and keep it level so eggs stay put.
- Bed: Add fresh shavings so the layer stays clean and dry.
- Clean: Pull out soiled bedding and any broken eggs often.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get chickens to use a new nesting box?
Put the box at least 18 inches above the floor and fill it with 2 to 3 inches of clean, dry shavings. Expect some hens to take longer to accept it, since a few hens in one flock still laid elsewhere after a roll-away insert was added.
Will a roll-away nesting box stop hens from laying eggs elsewhere?
No, a roll-away box does not guarantee that hens stop laying elsewhere. Hens in one flock kept laying elsewhere even though eggs in the insert stayed clean and unbroken. A 4- to 6-inch-high front panel gives hens seclusion, which is part of the design Utah State University Extension recommends.
Can hens bury or try to remove eggs in a roll-away box?
Yes, some hens bury eggs or try to pull them back out of a roll-away box. Keeping 2 to 3 inches of clean, dry shavings in each box is the depth Utah State University Extension recommends.
Do nesting boxes have to be commercially made?
No, you can build one yourself. Utah State University Extension says there are no hard-and-fast rules for construction, and boxes may be bought or built by the keeper. Build with a height and width of 12 to 15 inches and a depth of at least 12 inches.
How do I stop chickens from laying eggs on the coop floor?
Mount the boxes at least 18 inches off the floor and add a perch 6 to 8 inches out from the front to make access easier. Keep 2 to 3 inches of clean, dry shavings in each box.
Conclusion
Choose by your coop first. If you have open wall space and want eggs rolled out of reach, start with the ZenxyHoC Two-Tier Nesting Box. If your winters run very cold, skip the metal models and look at the Two Compartment Plastic Nesting Box instead, unless you keep bantams. For roll-away boxes, use flat nest mats rather than fluffy bedding so eggs keep rolling.
Your next step is to measure the wall or floor space and the compartment opening, then order the model that fits your flock.
Sources
- Basics for Raising Backyard Chickens (extension.usu.edu)
- backyardchickens.com (backyardchickens.com)
- reddit.com (reddit.com)
- reddit.com (reddit.com)
