Raising backyard chickens can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Fresh eggs every morning, fun pets to care for, natural pest control – what’s not to love? However, one challenge many chicken keepers face is keeping the nesting area clean and preventing issues like cracked, dirty, or eaten eggs. This is where DIY roll away nesting boxes come in!
Roll away nesting boxes are made so that eggs can gently roll out of the nest and into a collection area. This keeps the eggs clean, unbroken, and away from hens that eat eggs. If you know how to do some simple things around the house, you can make nest boxes that are perfect for your flock and coop.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to build your own roll away nest boxes. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Roll Away Nest Boxes
Here are some of the key advantages roll away boxes offer:
-
Keeps eggs clean – The sloped floor prevents eggs from touching manure or dirty bedding
-
Reduces cracking – Eggs roll gently down the slope rather than falling.
-
Stops egg eating – With an enclosed collection area hens can’t access the eggs.
-
Easy egg collection – Just remove eggs from the exterior tray. No reaching into dark nests.
-
Customizable – Adjust slope and dimensions to suit your preference.
-
Use indoors or outside – Roll away boxes work in coops or aviaries.
How to Design Your Nest Boxes
When planning your DIY roll away nest box design, consider:
-
Flock size – Allow 3-5 hens per standard 12” x 12” box. Larger breeds need bigger boxes around 15” x 15”.
-
Height – Nest box height should be 12-15 inches high.
-
Slope – Use a gentle slope around 20 degrees. Too steep and eggs may roll too fast and crack.
-
Material – Weatherproof wood like cedar or at least 1/2” plywood to avoid warping.
-
Hinges – Use galvanized or stainless steel hinges to attach the lid.
-
Eggs should be rolled into a collection tray made of sheet metal, a plastic tub, or a cat litter tray.
Sketching a design to scale on grid paper is extremely helpful to get the measurements and layout right. Standard boxes have a front, back, two sides, sloped floor, and lid with the collection tray situated below.
Step-by-Step Building Instructions
Follow these DIY steps to construct your own roll away nesting boxes:
1. Cut the Wood
Referring to your plans, cut wood pieces to size using a circular saw or handsaw. You’ll need:
- 1 front piece
- 1 back piece
- 2 sides
- 1 sloped floor
- 1 removable lid
- Optional perch dowel
Pre-drill holes to avoid splitting. Wipe away sawdust.
2. Assemble the Box
Attach the sides to the back with exterior screws or galvanized nails. Ensure the edges align perfectly flush.
Next, follow your plans and attach the sloped floor to the back and sides. The high end is attached to the back and slopes down about 20 degrees toward the front.
Screw or nail through the sides or back to avoid poking through the floor.
3. Add the Front
Center the entrance hole about 3 inches up from the sloped floor. Cut an oval shape 5 inches high x 8 inches wide.
Screws through the sides and into the base hold the front panel in place. Check the entrance hole aligns correctly.
4. Install Hinges and Lid
Measure and cut a lid to match the top dimensions.
Use at least 3 hinges to attach the lid to the back panel so it opens upwards. Pre-drill pilot holes in the thin plywood to avoid cracks.
5. Build the Collection Tray
Measure under the sloped floor and cut a tray out of sheet metal, plastic, or other material. Bend up edges 1 inch high to contain eggs.
6. Add Nest Bedding
Place 2-3 inches of nesting material like straw, pine shavings, or commercial nest pads. Allow eggs to roll freely.
7. Install in Coop
Screw or bolt nesting boxes into the coop at a comfortable height for hens. Ensure the collection tray aligns beneath.
Leave space for the lid to fully open.
8. Test and Make Adjustments
Observe your flock using the boxes. Adjust the slope or bedding if eggs don’t roll out smoothly into the collection tray.
Extra Tips and Customization Ideas
-
Add a perch for easy box access.
-
Use a privacy curtain for security.
-
Install metal flashing under bedding to keep floors dry.
-
Include an external access hatch to minimize interior mess.
-
Add a spring-loaded exterior tray door to deter pests.
-
For round eggs, increase slope and add ridges to the floor.
-
Make the lid lift off completely for full interior access when cleaning.
-
Use removable pine shaving trays for easy cleaning.
-
Add wire mesh panels for ventilation.
With the right plans and materials, building effective DIY roll away nest boxes is an easy woodworking project for any backyard chicken keeper. Customize the design to suit your exact flock and coop setup. Proper nest boxes will make daily egg collection a breeze while keeping your chickens’ eggs clean and damage-free. Your hens will love their new nesting space!
Item added to your cart
A DIY roll-away nest box is designed to keep eggs clean and prevent them from being cracked or eaten by hens. In this guide, well walk you through the process of creating your own roll-away nest box, therefore providing a comfortable and hygienic environment for your feathered friends.
- Wood: Choose untreated, durable wood like plywood or cedar.
- As for screws and nails, make sure they can be used outside as well.
- Saw and drill: These are necessary tools for cutting the box and putting it together.
- Tape measure and ruler: To put it another way, exact measurements are very important!
- Hinges: Needed for the top lid of the nest box.
- Pine shavings, straw, or a Turf Nest Box Liner can be used to line the nest.
- Pick-Up Tray: A metal or plastic tray to hold the eggs
Simple DIY Roll Away Nesting Boxes
FAQ
What angle should a roll away nest box be?
Egg Roll Slope: Tilt the floor at 5–8 degrees. That’s enough to let eggs roll away gently. I once made it too steep—cracked every egg for a week.
Are roll away nesting boxes good?
Yes, roll out nesting boxes, such as Homestead Essentials’, can indeed improve egg cleanliness and safety. When the eggs roll away into a separate area, they are less likely to come into contact with chicken waste and be scratched or trampled on. This lowers the chance of dirt, cracks, and contamination.
What is the slope for a roll away nest box?
Floor slope has to be designed so that eggs roll away without breaking and so that hens feel comfortable laying their eggs. In commercial nests, the slope is usually between 12% and 18%.
What can I use instead of a nesting box?
You can purchase boxes commercially, build them out of wood, or even upcycle plastic pails or crates, half wine barrels, kitty litter tubs or other similarly-sized containers.
What is a DIY roll-away nest box?
A DIY roll-away nest box is designed to keep eggs clean and prevent them from being cracked or eaten by hens. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your own roll-away nest box, therefore providing a comfortable and hygienic environment for your feathered friends. Materials You’ll Need:
What is a roll out nest box?
Roll out nest boxes. For Egg Eaters & Cleaner Eggs. Mostly fresh air coop design. Chickens free range into large orchard. Nest boxes designed for eggs to roll forward, the screen shows which boxes have the eggs. It prevents egg eating and keeps them cleaner. Easy to clean nest box – Show more Mostly fresh air coop design.
How do I design a chicken roll out nest box?
When designing a chicken roll out nest box plan, there are several key factors to consider: 1. Size: The nest box should be large enough for the chicken to comfortably enter and turn around. As a general rule, each nesting box should be at least 12 to 15 inches wide, deep, and tall. 2.