Nest boxes for chickens and layers

Nest boxes or laying boxes in modern poultry farming are made from galvanised steel. Traditionally they were wooden boxes. A number of companies in South Africa make galvanised nest boxes. When comparing prices make sure you compare like for like. The big difference in price is usually because of size - number of holes or bays for your layers, and steel thickness. They are also called galvanised nest boxes, laying boxes,chicken boxes or hen boxes. 

Steel thickness is where most chicken farmers are caught - even the large poultry producers are caught by this factor. A nest box can use anything as thin as 0.3mm galvanised sheet. While this makes the price appealing - it is not good for a nest box. The thickness should be at least 0.9mm - and thicker if you can afford it. If you use thin galvanised sheet you will be buying nest boxes again within 2 years - and they are not cheap - even the thin nest boxes.

The other factor in determining price for a poultry nest box is the galvanising. Make sure that the legs and the frame that hold the nest box are properly galvanised - if not these will rust in a very short time. Thickness of material used in the frame and legs is also important - too thin and it will not last. The nest box should have an anti perch on top of the roof to keep the cocks from sitting there. The urine and chicken droppings will eventually rot the roof - and the weight of the big birds will also damage your nest box. Nest boxes or laying boxes generally come in 4 hole, 8 hole, 16 hole and 24 hole nest boxes. They are also called galvanised nest boxes, laying boxes,chicken boxes or hen boxes