6 Best Breathable Nesting Box Curtains For Hot Summers That Keep Hens Laying

You walk out to the coop on a blazing July afternoon and find your best layer panting in the shade instead of on the nest. Egg production has dipped, and the nesting boxes feel like tiny saunas. The very curtains you hung for privacy are now trapping heat, making the hens too uncomfortable to lay. This is a common summer problem, but the solution is simpler than a full coop renovation: choosing the right breathable nesting box curtain.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why Summer Heat Demands Breathable Nest Curtains

A hen’s ideal laying environment is private, dark, and secure. Standard nesting box curtains made from heavy materials like old feed sacks or thick fabric provide that sense of security. But in the summer, that enclosed space becomes a heat trap, raising the temperature and humidity to dangerous levels.

Heat stress is a serious threat to a flock’s health and productivity. A hen’s body temperature is already high, around 105-107°F (40-42°C), and they can’t sweat to cool down. When they get too hot, their systems slow down, and egg production is one of the first things to go. Hens will avoid an uncomfortably hot nesting box, leading to eggs laid on the coop floor or a complete halt in laying.

The goal isn’t to eliminate curtains entirely, as that can lead to stress, egg-eating, and broody hens getting pestered. Instead, the solution is to swap out heavy winter materials for lightweight, breathable options. The right curtain provides a visual barrier without impeding critical airflow, keeping your hens comfortable, safe, and productive through the hottest months.

Homestead Essentials Burlap for Classic Airflow

Burlap is the classic, go-to material for a reason. It’s inexpensive, widely available, and its loose, open weave is naturally breathable. A simple burlap curtain provides a sufficient visual block to make a hen feel secure while allowing air to pass through freely.

Think of it as the perfect entry-level solution. You can buy it by the yard at a fabric or garden store, and it’s easy to cut and hang. Its rustic look fits the homestead aesthetic perfectly. For even better airflow, you can cut the burlap into wide strips instead of hanging a solid sheet.

The main tradeoff with burlap is that it can be dusty and prone to fraying. It’s a good idea to shake it out thoroughly outdoors or even give it a quick wash and line dry before hanging it. While not the most durable option, its low cost makes it easy to replace each season.

Flyaway Biddies Linen Strips for Ventilation

If you’re looking for a significant upgrade in performance, consider linen. Linen is exceptionally breathable and known for its moisture-wicking properties, pulling humidity away from the nesting box. It’s a fantastic material for hot and muggy climates.

Cutting linen into 3-4 inch wide vertical strips maximizes its benefits. The strips create a visual curtain that hens can easily push through, but the gaps between them allow for constant air movement. This setup prevents any pocket of stagnant, hot air from forming.

Linen is more expensive than burlap or cotton, which is its primary drawback. However, it’s also far more durable and naturally resistant to bacteria, so a set of linen curtains can last for many seasons. This is a "buy it once, cry it once" upgrade that pays off in hen comfort and laying consistency.

Coop-Comfort Cotton Canvas for Soft Privacy

Sometimes, a flock has more skittish hens that need a more solid visual barrier to feel safe. This is where a lightweight cotton canvas comes in. It offers more privacy than loosely-woven burlap or fabric strips while still being far more breathable than synthetic materials or heavy denim.

The key is to choose the right weight. You want a light, unbleached cotton duck or canvas, not the heavy-duty material used for tarps. It’s soft, quiet, and provides a solid sense of enclosure that can calm anxious layers.

While it doesn’t offer the same level of airflow as mesh or linen strips, it’s a huge improvement over non-breathable fabrics. Cotton canvas strikes a great balance for those who prioritize a feeling of security for their flock but still need a summer-friendly solution. It’s a solid middle-ground option.

The Rustic Hen Jute Drapes: A Durable Choice

Jute is often mistaken for burlap, but it’s a distinct fiber that offers a great mix of durability and breathability. It’s generally woven a bit tighter than burlap, providing a little more privacy, but it’s still a natural, airy material. Its tough fibers stand up well to the pecking and pulling that nesting box curtains inevitably endure.

This is your workhorse option. Jute is resistant to stretching and holds its shape well, even in damp conditions. If you’ve had issues with burlap curtains tearing or fraying into a mess within a few weeks, switching to jute could be the answer.

Like burlap, jute has a wonderfully rustic look that complements any coop. It’s a practical, long-lasting choice that provides a good balance of airflow, privacy, and ruggedness. It’s a small step up in cost and durability from basic burlap.

Farm-Tuff Mesh Curtain for Maximum Airflow

For coops in the hottest, most humid regions, maximum airflow is the top priority. In this case, a mesh curtain is the undisputed champion. Materials like shade cloth or durable, vinyl-coated screen provide a visual distraction without blocking a single bit of breeze.

The hens can see through it slightly, but the pattern is usually enough to create the illusion of a private space. From a distance, the box appears occupied or closed off, which is often enough to deter other hens from bothering a laying hen. This is the most effective way to prevent heat buildup.

Of course, the tradeoff is reduced privacy. This option works best for established, calm flocks that aren’t easily spooked. If you have a flock of flighty pullets, they might not feel secure enough with a mesh curtain. But for pure cooling power, nothing else comes close.

Hen Haven Hemp Strips: A Naturally Cool Option

Hemp fabric is a premium choice that brings some unique benefits to the nesting box. It’s one of the most breathable natural fibers available, similar to linen, and is incredibly strong and durable. What sets it apart is that hemp is naturally antimicrobial and resistant to mold and mildew, a huge plus in a humid coop environment.

Like linen, hemp is best used when cut into vertical strips to promote the best possible air circulation. The fabric is cool to the touch and excellent at wicking moisture, helping to keep the nesting material dry and comfortable. It’s a sustainable, long-lasting material that will likely outlast any other fabric option.

The primary consideration is cost, as hemp fabric is one of the more expensive textiles. However, its longevity and natural properties make it a worthwhile investment for anyone focused on creating the healthiest possible environment for their flock. It’s the top-tier choice for hot-climate performance.

Key Factors: Material, Airflow, and Security

Choosing the right curtain comes down to balancing three factors for your specific flock and climate. There is no single "best" answer, only the best fit for your coop.

First, material. Stick to natural, plant-based fibers like burlap, jute, cotton, linen, or hemp. These materials breathe. Avoid synthetics like polyester or plastic sheeting, which act like a vapor barrier, trapping heat and moisture exactly where you don’t want it.

Second, airflow design. This is about strips versus a solid sheet.

• Solid Sheet: Offers maximum privacy and is good for calmer, cooler days or for very skittish flocks.
• Strips: The best choice for hot climates, as the gaps allow for constant cross-ventilation.
• Mesh: The ultimate option for airflow, but offers the least privacy.

Finally, consider security and usability. The curtain should be heavy enough not to blow around in a light breeze but light enough for a hen to push through easily. It needs to provide a strong enough visual block to make a hen feel safe from the hustle and bustle of the coop. The right choice depends on your flock’s personality—a calm, mature flock may be fine with mesh, while a new flock of pullets might need the solid feel of a light canvas.

Ultimately, a simple change of curtain is a small adjustment that makes a huge difference in your flock’s summer comfort. By prioritizing breathable materials and smart design, you can keep your nesting boxes from becoming ovens. A comfortable hen is a healthy and productive hen, ensuring you’ll be collecting fresh eggs all summer long.