6 Best Plastic Quail Nesting Boxes For Budget That Prevent Common Issues

You walk out to the quail coop, and it’s the same story again: eggs scattered on the floor, some cracked, others covered in droppings. Wooden boxes you built are stained and impossible to truly sanitize, and you’re starting to wonder if they’re harboring mites. Investing in the right nesting box isn’t just about convenience; it’s about protecting your egg harvest, saving time on cleaning, and promoting a healthier environment for your birds.

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

Why Choose Plastic for Quail Nesting Boxes?

Wood has a certain rustic appeal, but when it comes to quail, plastic is almost always the more practical choice. The primary reason is sanitation. Wood is porous, absorbing moisture, bacteria, and waste, making it a nightmare to clean and a five-star resort for red mites.

Plastic, on the other hand, is non-porous. You can scrub it, pressure wash it, or soak it in a disinfectant without worrying about damaging the material. This drastically cuts down on cleaning time and creates a healthier environment for your flock. A clean nest box leads to cleaner eggs and healthier birds, period.

Durability is another major factor. A wooden box left in a damp coop or exposed to the elements will eventually warp, rot, or splinter. Molded plastic boxes withstand moisture, temperature swings, and the daily wear-and-tear from your birds. They don’t absorb odors and won’t become brittle after a single season, making them a better long-term investment.

Farm-Tuff Quail Roll-Out Box for Egg Safety

The single biggest frustration for many quail keepers is egg loss from pecking or trampling. The Farm-Tuff Roll-Out Box directly solves this problem with a simple, sloped floor. When a hen lays an egg, it gently rolls forward under a protective cover, safely out of her reach and away from the feet of other birds.

This design is a game-changer for anyone raising quail for eggs, especially for incubation. The eggs stay remarkably clean and, most importantly, intact. You’re not just buying a box; you’re buying a system that protects your harvest. The reduction in broken or eaten eggs often pays for the box itself over time.

The only real tradeoff is the initial cost, which is higher than a simple tray. Some birds may also take a day or two to get used to the sloped floor. You can ease the transition by adding a light layer of shavings at first, which they’ll quickly scratch away, revealing the intended design.

Kuhl Snap-Together Quail Nesting Box System

If you plan on expanding your flock, a modular system is the way to go. The Kuhl Snap-Together system allows you to add nesting units as your needs grow, connecting them side-by-side or stacking them vertically. This flexibility lets you adapt your setup to any coop or hutch design without starting from scratch.

These boxes are built from heavy-duty, industrial-grade plastic. They are designed for serious use and can be completely disassembled for deep cleaning. The tight-fitting seams leave very few crevices for mites and other pests to hide, which is a significant advantage over many DIY or poorly designed alternatives.

Think of this system as an investment in scalability. You start with what you need and add on later. This prevents you from over-buying at the start or being stuck with a setup that’s too small a year down the road. It’s a practical approach for the hobby farmer whose flock size might change season to season.

The Covey Cube Stackable Quail Nesting Unit

Space is often the most valuable commodity in a small farm setup. The Covey Cube is designed with vertical space in mind. These compact, stackable units allow you to house multiple nesting spots in a very small footprint, making them ideal for colony-style cages or tiered aviary systems.

Most Covey Cube designs feature a semi-enclosed structure and a small perch or landing pad. This provides the privacy and sense of security that quail crave when laying. A bird that feels safe is far more likely to use the nest box consistently, which means fewer eggs laid randomly on the cage floor.

Their lightweight, uniform shape makes them easy to handle, remove, and clean. While they don’t typically have a roll-out feature, their focus on privacy and space efficiency solves a different, but equally important, set of problems for the budget-conscious keeper with limited room.

Little Giant Laying Tray: A Simple, Low-Cost Box

Sometimes, the best solution is the simplest one. The Little Giant Laying Tray is the definition of a no-frills, budget-friendly option. It is essentially a durable, molded plastic tray that gives your quail a designated spot to lay their eggs, and that’s it.

This type of box is perfect for ground-level coops or for keepers who just need something to contain the nesting material and prevent eggs from getting lost in the bedding. It won’t stop a determined egg-eater, but it provides a cleanable surface and encourages hens to lay in one area. For the price, it’s a massive improvement over having no box at all.

This is your baseline option. It solves the most basic need: providing a nest. It’s incredibly easy to clean, virtually indestructible, and cheap enough to place several throughout a larger pen. If your primary goals are just organization and basic sanitation on a tight budget, this is your starting point.

Brower Quail Privacy Nest Box with Front Guard

The biggest reason quail lay on the floor is a perceived lack of security. The Brower Privacy Nest Box tackles this head-on by including a front guard or plastic "curtain." This simple addition creates a dark, secluded interior that mimics the natural nesting spots quail would seek in the wild.

This feature is incredibly effective for skittish flocks or birds housed in a busy area. The sense of enclosure makes the hen feel protected from other birds and outside activity, dramatically increasing the odds she’ll use the box. If you’ve tried open-style boxes and still have a floor-laying problem, a privacy-focused design like this is often the solution.

These boxes are usually a one-piece, heavy-duty molded design, which means there are no seams or cracks to harbor pests. Cleaning is as simple as it gets—just hose it out and let it dry. The combination of extreme durability and a design that caters directly to quail psychology makes it a top contender.

DuraNest Pro Quail Box for Long-Term Durability

For the farmer who believes in "buy it once, buy it right," the DuraNest Pro is the answer. These boxes are constructed from thick, UV-stabilized polyethylene, the same kind of stuff used for heavy-duty farm equipment. They are designed to withstand decades of use without cracking, fading, or becoming brittle from sun exposure.

The design philosophy here is function over form. You’ll find features like rounded interior corners that prevent waste from building up and make for effortless cleaning. The entrances are often shaped to be comfortable for the birds while still providing a sense of enclosure. Everything about it is built for longevity and ease of maintenance.

The upfront cost is significantly higher than other options on this list. However, you are not just paying for a plastic box; you are paying to never have to buy another nesting box again. If you are committed to raising quail for the long haul, the total cost of ownership for a DuraNest is often lower than replacing cheaper boxes every few years.

Choosing a Box to Prevent Egg Breakage & Mess

Ultimately, the best nesting box is the one that solves your specific problem. Quail are notorious for their messy habits, and your goal is to outsmart their worst instincts to collect clean, whole eggs with minimal effort. Don’t just buy the cheapest or the most popular option; diagnose your issue first.

Use this simple framework to make your decision:

• If your main issue is broken or eaten eggs: Prioritize a roll-out design. Nothing else will solve this problem as effectively.
• If your main issue is eggs laid all over the floor: Focus on a box with high privacy, like one with a front guard or deep enclosure.
• If your main issues are budget and cleaning: A simple molded tray or a basic snap-together system offers the best value and easiest sanitation.
• If your main issue is limited space: Look for a stackable, cube-style unit to maximize your vertical real estate.

No matter which box you choose, you may need to encourage your birds to use it. Try placing a fake egg inside or making it the coziest spot in the coop with fresh shavings. A great plastic nesting box solves the equipment problem, but a little bit of good husbandry ensures it gets used.

Choosing the right plastic nesting box is a small investment that pays you back every single day in saved eggs, reduced cleaning time, and a healthier flock. By matching the box’s features to the specific challenges you face, you can eliminate some of the most common frustrations of raising quail and spend more time enjoying the rewards.