How High Should Chicken Nesting Boxes Be Off The Ground?

Want to build or fix up a coop but don’t know what size chicken nesting box to use? You’ve come to the right place!

I’ve been raising chickens for years and have experimented with many different sizes and styles of nesting boxes along the way. The type and size that you need depends on your flock and priorities and I’ll help you sort through every aspect.

I’ve also provided links to my favorite nesting boxes (DIY and pre-built!), plus solutions to common nesting box problems that you’ll likely encounter along the way. By the end of this article, you’ll confidently be able to build or select the best nesting box for your flock.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products (including Amazon). If you click on my link and then buy something, I’ll get a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, I only link to products that I use on our homestead or believe in.

Chicken nesting boxes give hens a safe and comfortable place to lay their eggs. The height of the nesting boxes above the ground is important for easy egg collection and the comfort of the chickens. In this article, we’ll talk about the best height for nesting boxes in the chicken coop.

Why Nest Box Height Matters

The height of the nesting boxes impacts both the chickens and the chicken keeper Here are some key factors to consider

Boxes that are too low can make it hard to reach eggs; you may have to crouch or stretch. If the boxes are too high, it might be hard to see inside to find eggs. The ideal height allows easy access.
Comfort for hens: Chickens like nesting boxes that are easy for them to get in and out of. If they are too high, hens might not want to use them or could hurt themselves if they fly up. If it’s too low, the hens don’t feel safe like they want to.
Cleaner eggs – Nest boxes closer to the ground tend to stay darker and draft-free. This reduces temperature fluctuations and light exposure which can prompt premature incubation. Cleaner eggs with sound shells result.
Hen health – Poor box height can stress joints and muscles as chickens jump or stretch to enter boxes. The right height reduces strain.

Recommended Nest Box Heights

Most experts say that nest boxes should be put 16 to 24 inches above the ground. This covers boxes for standard and bantam chicken breeds.

Here’s an overview of recommended heights:

16 to 18 inches – best for bantam chickens
18 to 24 inches – ideal for full-sized chickens
Over 24 inches – too high for most hens

You may see a range since the right height depends somewhat on your chickens’ size and breed. It also takes into account bedding depth.

Tips for Getting the Height Right

As you determine the best nest box height:

Match it to your chickens’ size – Scale the height to fit your hens. Lower boxes serve bantams best.
Account for bedding – Leave room for 2-5 inches of litter. This gives a soft landing and absorption.
Make lower boxes removable – Using standalone, movable boxes lets you adjust the height.
Angle down entry holes – Sloping openings upwards makes high boxes more accessible.
Provide steps – Little built-in ladders or ramps can help hens access boxes safely.
Observe your flock – Note any difficulty or reluctance entering boxes and adjust accordingly.

Nesting Box Height by Chicken Breed

To zero in on the ideal height, consider your hens’ breed and size. Here are suggested box heights for common breeds:

16 to 18 inches: Brahma bantams, Pekin bantams, Polish bantams
18 to 20 inches: Leghorns, Minorcas, Welsummers, Ameraucanas
20 to 22 inches: Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks, Australorps, Wyandottes
22 to 24 inches: Brahmas, Cochins, Faverolles, Jersey Giants

These heights suit most chickens of that breed. But individual size variations happen. Finely tuning box height to your particular flock takes observation.

Height for Different Nest Box Styles

Nest box design also influences appropriate height. Here are suggested heights for various setups:

Roll-away nests – 17 to 20 inches (lower since hens must hop upwards into box)
Chest-style boxes – 16 to 22 inches (lid provides extra security)
Free-standing boxes – 16 to 24 inches (easy to adjust or move)
Built-in boxes – 18 to 22 inches (fixed installation, so ensure height works for your chickens)
Corner boxes – 20 to 24 inches (hens feel secure in corner location)
Raised nesting platforms – 24+ inches (require built-in stairs/ramps for hen access)

Other Tips for Nest Box Placement

Proper box height is critical – but it’s not the only consideration. A few other tips on placement:

Set boxes in a sheltered, draft-free area of the coop.
Allow 2-3 boxes per 6-8 hens. Overcrowding stresses chickens.
Opt for darkly lit boxes to mimic nesting spots hens seek naturally.
Ensure the surrounding area is adequately ventilated to keep boxes clean and dry.
Give hens enough head room to stand comfortably in the box.

Observe your flock to fine tune box height over time. The ideal height makes collection easy for you while keeping your hens comfy and content! Proper placement sets up your chickens for nesting success.

how high should chicken nesting boxes be off the ground

Hens not using the nesting boxes

Put the nesting boxes closer to the ground. Hens may not know that the nests are up there at first and need time to get used to them.
Hens like to lay their eggs where there are already eggs, so put golf balls or wooden eggs in the nest. This will help them lay down where you want them to.
Elector PSP can be used to kill mites. Mites can sometimes live in the nesting boxes and eat the hens when they go in to lay their eggs. I understand that this item costs a lot, but it is the best and safest one available. There is no egg-withdrawl period after using it.
Fold the curtains up. Curtains are great for privacy, but they can also make it hard to see the nest. The hens might never find the nest if they don’t know it’s there. Put the curtains up with tape or staples until the hens use the box every day.
Assess the location – Is it too busy? Noisy? Light?

While it sounds weird, hens will definitely learn to eat their own eggs once they figure out how tasty they are. All it takes is 1 broken egg in the nest and a curious hen… and it’s all over. Once a hen starts eating eggs, it can be really hard to get her to stop.

The best way to stop hens from eating their own eggs is to use a rollaway nest so that the hen never has the opportunity to eat it in the first place. If you don’t have access to one of these, using wooden eggs in the nest might help. It’s a shock to the hen to peck a wooden egg and that alone may teach her that pecking at eggs isn’t as fun as it once was.

Nesting Box Size for Egg Laying

Chickens range from 2 lb bantams to 14 lb heavy breeds, so they definitely have different requirements. If you have chickens of all sizes, I’d recommend the middle size for standard breeds or provide a few different sizes, if possible!.

10” wide x 10” deep x 12” high

12” wide x 12” deep x 14” tall

14” wide x 12” deep x 14” tall

What size should chicken nest boxes be?

FAQ

How far off the ground should a nesting box be for chickens?

The best height for chicken nesting boxes is typically between 18 to 24 inches off the ground. This height makes it easy for the hens to get to the boxes and gives them a safe and comfortable place to lay eggs. It’s also a good idea to ensure that the boxes are placed in a quiet, low-traffic area to encourage laying.

Do chicken nesting boxes need to be elevated?

If you’re limited on space, try stacking them vertically or putting a few on one side of the coop and a few on another. Also, they can be close to or on the ground, if you’re ok getting down to retrieve the eggs. Fill ‘Em Up!.

Do chickens like nesting boxes high or low?

The general recommendation regarding the right height for chicken nests is 18 to 20 inches above the floor. But that’s not a hard and fast rule. The proper height depends on breed and age, and the hens’ ability to access the nests. Feb 10, 2025.

How high should a chicken coop be off the ground?

A chicken coop should ideally be raised 12 to 20 inches off the ground. This height helps protect chickens from predators and allows for easy cleaning underneath.