Hey coop enthusiasts! Want to spoil your feathered friends with cozy nesting boxes and save some green? Then grab your hammers and screwdrivers, because we're about to dive into a fun DIY project using everyone's favorite recycled treasure: pallet wood!

Why Pallet Power?

Pallet wood is not only budget-friendly, it's also eco-conscious. We're giving these wooden planks a new lease on life, keeping them out of landfills and into your coop. Plus, that rustic, worn look adds a touch of charm to your backyard flock's home.

Flock to the Fun: What You May Want to Use: 

• Pallet wood: Disassembled or not but make it free of nails (safety first!) You'll need enough wood to create several boxes if you disassemble it, depending on the size you need. Aim for at least 2-3 nesting boxes per 4-5 hens. Sometimes if the pallet wood is really made nice I will use the entire piece whole and build on. 
• Skill Saw/Table Saw: A handsaw or miter saw will work for cutting the wood to size.
• Hammer & Measuring tape with marker: For securing the wood together.
• Drill and Screws: Optional, for a sturdier build.
• Hardware cloth (optional): This can be added to the front of the box for ventilation and to deter predators.
• Sandpaper: Smoothing out any rough edges will keep your hens comfy.
• Paint or Stain (optional): Spruce up your nesting boxes with a fun pop of color!
• Thin plyboard if you need a floor unless you plan on placing it on the ground with no floor. 

Let's Get Crafty!

Plan Your Pallet Palace: Decide on the size of your nesting boxes. A good rule of thumb is 12" x 12" x 12" for smaller breeds and 14" x 14" x 16" for larger breeds. Or you can eyeball it like we do and see what happens!

Pallet Picasso: Use your saw to cut the pallet wood according to your measurements. You'll need four pieces for the walls, a top, a bottom, and a front piece (with an entrance hole cut into it – think chicken-sized doorway!). OR you can just make a top and 3 sides and place it on the ground with no floor as long it doesn't tip over and is secured in the back to a wall or sturdy post. 

Nail it (or Screw it): Assemble the box using your hammer and nails or drill and screws. Make sure everything is nice and secure. Check and make sure nothing sharp is poking out! 

Fresh Air for Happy Hens: If you're using mesh wire, cut a piece to fit the front of the box, ensuring proper ventilation. Secure it with nails or staples. Ventilation is key and necessary if you are building something for smaller spaces. 

Sanding Smooches: Give your nesting box a once-over with sandpaper to eliminate any splinters. Safety first for our feathered friends!

Colorful Coop: (Optional) Now's the time to unleash your inner artist! Paint or stain your nesting boxes to match your coop's aesthetic. OR you could leave them as they are because chickens don't care as long as they are safe, comfy and can nest somewhere nice and dry. 

Coop-tastic Completion!

Mount your nesting boxes inside your coop at a comfortable height for your hens (around 12-18 inches off the ground). Add some soft bedding like straw or wood shavings for ultimate coziness. It's all up to you and your needs on what you need to do for your flock. No way is the wrong way unless you don't know what you're doing and it all collapses and you step on a rusty nail then you might want to rethink things and get some help. 

Bonus Tip: Include a handful of fake eggs in each box to encourage your hens to lay there.

Proudly display your upcycled nesting boxes and watch your happy hens flock to them! This project is not only budget-friendly and eco-conscious, but it's a fun way to create a cozy haven for your feathered companions. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy those fresh eggs knowing you gave your girls a nesting box they'll love and you DIY'd it yourself! 

What would be your favorite coop or nesting box dream expansion? Comment below and let me know! 

Don't forget to subscribe and watch our youtube channel for more fun than you crow about! You might get some great ideas from what we do and make your own backyard as fabulous as you want it to be!