6 Best Diy Chicken Nesting Box Dividers For Under 500 That Keep Hens Happy

You’ve built the perfect coop and your hens are settling in, but you walk out one morning to find three of them crammed into a single nesting box while the other two sit empty. This isn’t just a quirky chicken behavior; it’s a sign that your laying area isn’t meeting their needs for privacy and security. Creating distinct, separate spaces is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce hen stress, prevent egg-breaking, and make your daily egg collection a calmer, more predictable routine.

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Why Nesting Box Dividers Matter for Your Flock

A long, open trough might seem like an efficient use of space, but it goes against a hen’s core instincts. Hens are prey animals, hardwired to seek out a secluded, dark, and safe place to lay their eggs. Without clear divisions, they see a single, vulnerable area, leading to competition for the "safest" corner spot.

This competition is more than just a minor squabble. It directly leads to broken eggs when multiple hens try to occupy the same space. It also causes stress, which can impact laying frequency and overall flock health. Proper dividers transform a communal trough into a series of private nesting suites, signaling to each hen that she has her own secure spot.

Think of it from their perspective. A well-defined box tells a hen, "This spot is safe, it’s mine, and I won’t be disturbed here." This sense of security is the foundation of a happy, productive laying flock. It also simplifies your life, ensuring eggs are laid in clean, predictable locations rather than being scattered, hidden, or broken.

Plywood Dividers: The Classic, Sturdy Solution

Plywood is the workhorse of DIY coop construction for a reason. It’s relatively inexpensive, easy to find, and strong enough to withstand the daily jostling of a busy flock. A single sheet of untreated plywood can provide enough material for an entire bank of nesting boxes, making it a highly cost-effective option.

The key benefit of plywood is its rigidity. Unlike flimsier materials, it creates a solid, unambiguous barrier that hens respect. You can cut it to the exact height and depth of your nesting box, ensuring a snug fit that prevents bedding from spilling over and keeps the spaces distinct. Sanding the edges smooth is a non-negotiable step to prevent splinters and injuries.

However, wood has its downsides. Plywood is porous, creating microscopic nooks and crannies where red mites love to hide. To combat this, always seal your plywood dividers with a non-toxic paint or sealer (like a water-based outdoor paint) before installation. This makes them far easier to wipe down and significantly reduces potential pest hideouts.

Reclaimed Pallet Wood for Rustic, Low-Cost Nests

If you’re aiming for a rustic aesthetic or an ultra-low budget, reclaimed pallet wood is an excellent choice. It’s often free for the taking and brings a certain charm to the coop. The process is straightforward: disassemble a pallet, cut the slats to size, and fasten them in place.

Before you start building, it’s crucial to identify the right kind of pallet. Look for a stamp that says "HT," which means it was heat-treated, not chemically treated. Avoid any pallets marked "MB" (Methyl Bromide), as those chemicals are not something you want anywhere near your flock or their eggs. Also, inspect the wood for any signs of spills, stains, or weird odors.

The main tradeoff with pallet wood is consistency and cleanliness. The boards are often rough, of varying thickness, and may require significant sanding to be safe for your hens. Because it’s untreated and often weathered, it’s even more susceptible to mites than new plywood. A thorough scrubbing followed by a coat of poultry-safe sealer is essential for turning this free resource into a safe and functional divider.

5-Gallon Buckets: A Private, Easy-to-Clean Nook

For a completely different approach, consider using 5-gallon buckets. By turning them on their side and cutting an opening, you create a perfectly enclosed, cave-like nook that many hens absolutely love. The curved, solid walls provide an unmatched sense of security and privacy.

The number one advantage of this method is sanitation. Plastic is non-porous, meaning mites and bacteria have nowhere to hide. Cleaning is as simple as pulling the bucket out, dumping the old bedding, and scrubbing it down with a vinegar and water solution. There are no seams, cracks, or wood grain to worry about.

The challenge lies in installation. You need to build a frame or shelf system to hold the buckets securely so they don’t roll or tip when a hen jumps in. You also need to cut the opening carefully—large enough for entry but small enough to maintain that "hidden" feel. A 7-8 inch opening is a good starting point for most standard breeds. This option requires a bit more structural planning but pays off in ease of maintenance.

Coroplast Dividers for a Lightweight, Sanitary Box

Coroplast, or corrugated plastic, is the material used for yard signs and is a fantastic, underrated option for nesting box dividers. It’s incredibly lightweight, completely waterproof, and surprisingly rigid. Best of all, you can often find used signs for free after local elections or events.

Like buckets, Coroplast’s biggest selling point is hygiene. Its smooth, non-porous surface is a terrible environment for mites and can be wiped clean in seconds. It’s also extremely easy to work with—you can score and snap it with a simple utility knife, no power tools required. This makes it perfect for retrofitting existing boxes or for those who aren’t comfortable with woodworking.

The main consideration is durability. While tough, it’s not as robust as wood. A particularly determined or heavy hen might manage to bend or dislodge a poorly secured divider. To prevent this, cut the Coroplast to fit snugly from front to back and top to bottom, or create a simple wooden slot for it to slide into. It’s a brilliant solution for its balance of cost, ease of use, and cleanliness.

Upcycled Milk Crates: The Easiest Modular Option

For the ultimate in simplicity and modular design, look no further than standard plastic milk crates. By turning them on their side, you have an instant, perfectly-sized nesting box. You can stack them, arrange them on shelves, or line them up on the floor to create a bank of nests in minutes.

This is the fastest solution from concept to completion. There is no cutting, no measuring, and no assembly required beyond placing them where you want them. The slatted design provides good ventilation, which helps keep bedding dry. Like other plastic options, they are a breeze to pull out and hose down.

The open-grid design is both a pro and a con. While it offers ventilation, it doesn’t provide the same level of darkness and privacy as a solid-walled option. Some hens are perfectly fine with this, while more skittish ones might not feel secure enough. A simple fix is to line the inside with cardboard or attach a fabric curtain to the front, giving you the best of both worlds.

Fabric Curtains for Ultimate Privacy and Comfort

While not a physical divider, fabric curtains are a powerful addition that addresses the core need for privacy. Hanging a simple curtain of burlap, canvas, or another heavy fabric over the front of your nesting boxes can transform the entire area. It creates the dark, secluded environment that hens instinctually seek.

This is an incredibly simple and effective upgrade. All you need is a strip of fabric and a way to hang it—a simple dowel, a staple gun, or even a tension rod will do the trick. The hens quickly learn to nudge their way past the curtain to access their private laying spot. Many chicken keepers find that adding curtains immediately stops hens from laying eggs on the coop floor.

The critical factor here is maintenance. Fabric is a perfect breeding ground for mites and can get dirty quickly. You must be committed to taking the curtains down and washing them in hot water regularly, at least once a month or whenever they become soiled. Choose a durable fabric that can withstand frequent washing and have a spare set on hand to swap in on cleaning day.

Maintaining Your DIY Dividers for Hen Health

Your job isn’t finished once the dividers are installed. A clean nesting box is fundamental to hen health and egg safety, and your choice of divider material dictates your maintenance routine. Neglecting this chore can lead to pest infestations and dirty, bacteria-laden eggs.

For any wood-based dividers (plywood or pallet), your primary enemies are moisture and mites. At every coop clean-out, scrape down the dividers and check the corners and seams for the tell-tale signs of red mites—a grey, ashy dust. A periodic spray with a poultry-safe pest deterrent is a wise preventative measure.

Plastic and Coroplast dividers make this job much easier. They should be completely removed and scrubbed with a simple soap and water or vinegar solution. This physical removal and washing is the most effective way to eliminate pests and bacteria. No matter the material, always replace the bedding with a deep, fresh layer of shavings or straw to keep your hens comfortable and your eggs clean.

Ultimately, the best nesting box divider is the one that works for your hens, your budget, and your schedule. Whether you choose the sturdiness of plywood or the easy-to-clean convenience of a 5-gallon bucket, providing a private, secure space is a small effort that pays huge dividends in flock happiness and clean, intact eggs. Observe your hens, see what they prefer, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect fit.