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Wooden Chicken Nesting Boxes: benefits and how to choose the right one
- 29 Jun, 2026
- Blog
Wooden Nest Boxes for Chickens: Benefits and How to Choose
Choosing a good chicken nest box helps keep the coop better organised, protects the eggs and makes daily collection much easier.
Before choosing, consider the number of compartments, whether you want a model with an egg collection compartment, and whether you prefer a nest box supplied assembled or flat-packed.
View Chicken Nest BoxesWhy Is It Important to Choose the Right Nest Box?
When hens do not have a dedicated place to lay their eggs, it is common to find them scattered around the coop, in less hygienic areas or places that are difficult to access.
A suitable nest box provides a more sheltered laying area, helps protect the eggs and makes the daily routine of caring for your poultry much easier.
1. Better Egg Protection
A suitable nest box helps reduce the risk of eggs being broken, stepped on or laid in unhygienic places.
2. A Better Organised Chicken Coop
By creating a dedicated laying area, it becomes much easier to keep the coop clean and manage egg collection.
3. Easier Egg Collection
A well-chosen nest box provides easier access to the eggs and makes routine coop maintenance more practical.
How Many Compartments Should a Nest Box Have?
As a general guideline, you can allow one compartment for every 4 to 5 hens, as they do not all lay eggs at the same time. However, this recommendation may vary depending on the hens' behaviour, the available space and how frequently the eggs are collected.
If you notice that several hens always try to use the same compartment, that eggs are being laid outside the nest box or that there is excessive competition for the same space, it may be advisable to choose a model with more compartments.
| Number of Compartments | Recommended For | Type of Chicken Coop | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 compartment | Up to 4 or 5 hens | Small backyard flocks | Ideal for those with only a few hens or limited available space. |
| 2 compartments | Around 6 to 10 hens | Medium-sized domestic flocks | A good option to reduce competition for a single laying area. |
| 3 compartments | Around 11 to 15 hens | Coops with larger flocks | Provides more laying options and distributes hens more evenly. |
| 4 compartments | Around 16 to 20 hens | Larger chicken coops | Recommended for those looking for greater capacity and improved organisation. |
Simple, Classic and Collector Models: Which One Should You Choose?
At Ninhos de Sonho, you will find three main ranges of wooden chicken nest boxes: Simple, Classic and Collector. The best choice mainly depends on how you want to collect the eggs, the available space and the capacity you need.
The Simple models are ideal if you are looking for a practical and straightforward solution. This range does not include an egg collection compartment, is supplied fully assembled, and is available with 1 to 3 compartments.
The Classic models include an egg collection compartment, helping to keep eggs better protected while making collection easier. This range is available with 1 to 4 compartments and is supplied flat-packed for assembly, reducing package size and making transport more convenient.
The Collector models also feature an egg collection compartment and are an excellent choice for anyone looking for more practical day-to-day egg collection. This range is available with 1 to 3 compartments and is supplied fully assembled, ready to use.
| Model | Egg Collection Compartment | Available Compartments | Supplied Assembled / Flat-packed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple | No | 1 to 3 | Assembled |
| Classic | Yes | 1 to 4 | Flat-packed |
| Collector | Yes | 1 to 3 | Assembled |
Where Should You Place the Nest Box in the Chicken Coop?
The nest box should be placed in a quiet, dry location, protected from rain, direct wind and excessive moisture. Hens naturally prefer more sheltered places when laying their eggs.
It should also be positioned securely, be easy to clean and provide convenient access for daily egg collection. A well-chosen location helps hens become accustomed to using the nest box and makes coop maintenance much easier.
Related Products
A selection of wooden chicken nest boxes, available in different capacities.
Looking for the Ideal Nest Box for Your Chicken Coop?
Explore our full range of wooden chicken nest boxes and choose the model best suited to the number of hens, the available space and the way you prefer to collect the eggs.
View All Chicken Nest Boxes