6 Best Community Nesting Boxes For Large Flocks That Reduce Squabbling
Community nesting boxes offer a peaceful solution for large flocks by minimizing competition. Explore our review of the 6 best models to reduce squabbling.
The single biggest source of drama in a chicken coop is often the nest box. You can provide a dozen perfect, individual boxes, yet you’ll find three hens trying to cram into one, squawking and breaking eggs in the process. For a growing flock, this daily squabble isn’t just noise; it’s a source of stress that can impact health and egg production. Community nesting boxes offer a simple, effective solution by changing the dynamic from competition to cooperation.
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Why Community Nests Reduce Stress in Large Flocks
A community nest is essentially one large, shared nesting area instead of several small, individual stalls. This simple change in design works with a hen’s natural instincts, not against them. In the wild, chickens seek out a single, secluded, safe spot to lay as a group. A community box mimics this perfectly.
By providing one obviously superior nesting spot, you eliminate the perceived value difference between individual boxes. Hens see a large, dark, comfortable area and their instinct to lay there kicks in, rather than their instinct to fight for the "best" box. The result is a calmer coop, fewer cracked eggs from hens trampling each other, and a more natural, low-stress environment for your entire flock.
Best Nest Box: Top Choice for Clean, Safe Eggs
The "Best Nest Box" brand has earned its name by focusing on one thing: egg quality. Its key feature is the roll-away design. A hen lays her egg on a sloped, padded floor, and it gently rolls forward or backward into a protected collection tray, safe from pecking, trampling, or getting soiled.
This is a game-changer for anyone tired of washing dirty eggs or losing them to cracks and breaks. The plastic and metal construction also eliminates hiding spots for mites and lice, a common problem with wooden boxes. While it’s an investment, the time saved cleaning eggs and the value of a consistently clean, unbroken harvest make it a top contender for any serious hobby farmer.
Duncan’s Poultry Nests: A Durable Metal Option
When you need something that will last for decades, you look at galvanized steel. Duncan’s Poultry nests are the workhorses of the coop world. They are built to withstand abuse from both chickens and the elements, offering excellent protection and longevity. You buy one of these, and you’re likely set for life.
Many models feature fold-up perches, which is a brilliant and practical feature. By closing off access to the nests at night, you prevent hens from roosting (and pooping) in them, which drastically cuts down on cleaning. The main tradeoff with metal is temperature; it can be cold in winter. You’ll need to be diligent about providing deep, insulating bedding like straw to keep your hens comfortable.
HenGear Community Nest Box: Easy-to-Clean Plastic
For the hobby farmer who values time and sanitation above all else, HenGear is the answer. Their community nests are made of heavy-duty plastic, which is a massive advantage when it comes to cleaning. You can literally take it outside and hose it down. The non-porous surface gives mites, lice, and bacteria nowhere to hide.
These boxes are thoughtfully designed, often with reversible roll-out trays so you can collect eggs from inside or outside the coop. They are also lighter than their metal counterparts, making them easier to move and install. Some might miss the traditional look of wood or metal, but the practical benefits of a sanitary, low-maintenance plastic nest box are hard to argue with, especially as your flock grows.
Brower 10-Hole Nests: Classic and Reliable Design
While not a "community" nest in the single-space sense, a large bank of traditional nests like the Brower 10-hole unit solves the same problem through sheer numbers. It works on the principle of overwhelming demand with supply. When there are plenty of identical, desirable spots, competition naturally decreases.
This is a classic, proven design you’ll see on farms everywhere for a reason: it works. Made of sturdy galvanized steel, these units are built to last. For some flock keepers, managing individual stalls feels more familiar and may make it easier to spot a broody hen. It’s a different approach to the same goal of a peaceful laying environment, relying on quantity over a large, shared space.
Kuhl Community Nest Box: Large Capacity for Big Flocks
If your flock is expanding into a small army, you need equipment designed for high traffic. Kuhl specializes in larger-scale poultry equipment, and their community nest boxes are built to handle dozens of hens without issue. These are robust units designed for efficiency and durability under constant use.
They often feature very large nesting areas and high-capacity egg collection trays that can hold a full day’s worth of eggs from 50 or more birds. The construction is typically heavy-duty plastic or coated metal, prioritizing sanitation and longevity. A Kuhl box is a significant investment, but for a large, established flock, it provides a central, reliable laying station that simplifies management and reduces coop chaos.
Miller Manufacturing Nests for Flock Expansion
Not everyone starts with a huge flock. Miller Manufacturing offers a more modular and affordable approach. Their metal nest boxes, often sold in 4-hole or even single configurations, are perfect for the hobby farmer who is growing their flock incrementally. You can start with one unit and simply add another one next to it as your numbers increase.
This scalability is a huge advantage, allowing you to match your infrastructure to your current flock size without over-investing. While banking several smaller units together may not be as seamless as a single large community box, the flexibility and lower upfront cost are major benefits. It’s a practical, budget-conscious way to ensure you always have enough nesting space as you grow.
Proper Placement and Bedding for Happy Hens
The best nest box in the world will fail if it’s in the wrong spot. Hens instinctively seek out a dark, quiet, and safe place to lay. Place your nesting boxes in the dimmest, lowest-traffic corner of your coop. Keep them away from the main door and, most importantly, never place them directly underneath the roosting bars.
Bedding is just as crucial. For traditional boxes, a deep (4-6 inch) layer of clean pine shavings or straw provides comfort and helps cushion the eggs. Even for roll-away designs, a thin layer of nesting material or a turf pad makes the space more inviting for the hens. Clean, dry bedding is your first line of defense against dirty eggs and disease, so refresh it regularly. A comfortable hen is a productive hen.
Choosing the right nesting box is about more than just a place to put eggs. It’s a tool for managing your flock’s behavior, reducing stress, and making your daily chores easier. Whether you prioritize clean eggs, durability, or scalability, the right system will create a calmer coop and leave you with a basket full of clean, intact eggs every day.
