This step by step tutorial for how to build external nesting boxes for a chicken coop is a great addition that can create easy access for gathering eggs without disturbing your chicken flock. Many children that live on a homestead, love the chore of gathering eggs. Maybe it is the suspense of not knowing how many eggs will be there or the size or color of the eggs….

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A motivated homesteader could accomplish this do it yourself project is a single weekend. Let’s grab materials and tools and get started.

Materials List:

1 sheet 4′ x 8′ (2400 x 1200 mm) exterior plywood or OSB (oriented strand board). I used 3/4″ (19 mm) thickness. Anything 1/2″ (12 mm) or thicker should work, or thinner only if you’re adjusting the overall size smaller.
1 piece of one-by-two lumber. You’ll need about 6 feet (1800 mm) total.
Exterior screws, assorted sizes. I used 3″, 2.5″, 1.25″, and 1″ (75, 65, 30, and 25 mm).
Couple of hinges
Latch or two
Primer and exterior paint. Or stain and wood sealer.
Roofing felt and roofing material of your choice. Or you could just paint the top really well.
Caulk, optional
Any recycled materials you want to incorporate, like doors, hardware, roofing

Tools List

Circular saw and two sawhorses, or table saw
Power driver with assorted drill and driver bits
Two clamps, with at least a 2″ (50 mm) capacity
Tape measurer
Handsaw (helpful with a few finish cuts)
Speed square
Pencil
Paintbrush

The hard work and effort to upgrade your chicken coop will definitely pay off when gathering eggs, cleaning your chicken coop and being able to quickly peek in on your flocks well being.

Click here to read about how to build external nesting boxes for a chicken coop:

http://www.thegardencoop.com/blog/2011/03/10/external-nest-box-plans/