How to add a chicken nesting box to cubby house?

Question

Hi all,

We want to start keeping some chickens (2)

We bought this yesterday

Lifespan Kids Cubby House Atlas With Blackboard - Bunnings Australia

I was hoping if someone has some blueprints, or instructions that they are willing to share to make a chicken nestingbox that I can connect on the outside of the cubbyhouse

Thank you!

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @Zaranthx,

That was such a fun idea for repurposing the cubby house. I could definitely picture it turning into a pretty amazing little chicken setup.

Did you end up building the nesting box onto the side of it? I’d be really interested to see how it came together and how the chickens settled into their new home.

If you’re still in the planning/building stage or ran into any issues along the way, happy to help bounce around some more ideas as well.

Mitchell

Zaranthx · Answer

thank you so much Eric, that is very helpful.

EricL · Answer

Hello @Zaranthx

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about a nesting box.

Generally speaking, we don't have a readymade blueprint ready to go, however we can provide you with an example of a nesting box frame that you can use as a template and adjust it to the window measurements of the cubby house.

The suggested timber for this structure is

https://www.bunnings.com.au/70-x-35mm-outdoor-framing-h3-treated-pine-2-4m_p8032103

and I recommend using

https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-10-8-x-75mm-galvanised-countersunk-rib-head-timber-screws-50-pack_p2420885

to anchor the timber together. I suggest putting bricks under the footing of the timber legs so that it does not make direct contact with the soil. The timber pieces are only H3 and is only treated for outdoor framing use and not for direct contact with the soil.

The roof is made up of plain corrugated sheeting and the walls and floor are marine plywood. The front panel is hinged so that you can open the nesting box to harvest the eggs. You can put a plain

https://www.bunnings.com.au/delf-trade-75-x-32-x-9-5mm-satin-chrome-barrel-bolt-with-25mm-throw_p4080482

to keep the panel secure.

I also suggest having a look at the 10 chicken coops and nesting boxes along with my favourite nesting box project - Chicken nesting box by @Wayne. Please note that the measurements are for reference only, please adjust them to your needs. My best advice is to use large plastic trays as their nesting spot. This will allow you to wash and clean them rather than putting in permanent timber dividers which gathers dust and dirt making it difficult to clean.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when building the nesting box.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric