At Pets Gear, we know a laying box isn’t “just a box”—it’s the engine room of your coop. The right chicken nesting boxes help keep eggs cleaner, reduce breakage, and stop the dreaded habit of egg eating before it starts.
This collection features our best-performing options for Australian keepers—from simple wall-mounted chicken nest box styles to premium rollaway nest box designs. Whether you have a backyard flock of ISA Browns or a large free-range setup, our metal and plastic boxes are designed to discourage red mites and make daily collection a breeze.
✅ Shipped from Melbourne | ✅ Mite-Resistant Design | ✅ Help Stop Egg Eating
Why Upgrade to a Rollaway Nest Box?
If you’re tired of finding dirty, cracked, or pecked eggs, a rollaway chicken nest box (also known as a roll out nest box) is a smart upgrade. Unlike traditional wooden boxes or DIY crates, rollaway units use a gentle sloped floor to move eggs into a protected tray.
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The mechanism: After laying, the egg rolls forward into a covered front compartment.
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The benefit: The egg is separated from the hen—reducing pecking, stepping, and soiling.
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The result: Cleaner eggs and fewer losses, with easy tray collection.
Learn more about coop setup in our guide: What Should Be Inside a Chicken Coop
Metal vs. Wood: Winning the War on Mites
In humid conditions, red mites can hide in tiny cracks and joins—especially in timber. That’s why many keepers prefer smooth, non-porous materials that are easier to clean.
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The problem with wood: Timber and plywood can create countless hiding spots for mites.
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The Pets Gear solution: Our metal chicken nesting boxes and heavy-duty plastic options are non-porous and easy to clean—often as simple as a quick wipe or hose-down.
How Many Nesting Boxes Do I Need?
A common question is “How many boxes for my flock?” A practical rule of thumb is one nesting box for every 3–4 hens.
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3–5 hens: 1 single box (or a 1-compartment rollaway)
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6–8 hens: 2 boxes (or a 2-compartment unit)
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12+ hens: 3–4 boxes (consider 3-hole, 6-hole, or multi-tier units)
Tip: Even with plenty of boxes, hens may still compete for a favourite spot. Having enough laying boxes helps ensure there’s always a quiet backup so eggs don’t end up on the coop floor.
Read our sizing breakdown: Chicken Nesting Boxes: Materials, Sizes & Plans
Installation & Placement Tips for Aussie Coops
Australian summers can be brutal, and metal boxes can warm up if installed in direct sun. For comfort and better laying behaviour:
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Shade is key: Install on the coolest side of the coop, away from harsh afternoon sun.
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Ventilation: Choose boxes with airflow slots to reduce heat and humidity buildup.
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Elevation: Mount around 30–50cm off the ground to deter rodents and discourage sleeping in the boxes.
Easy Training Tips
Worried your chooks won’t use the new box? A few small steps can help them switch quickly.
👉 Read the guide: How to Train Chooks to Use Nesting Boxes
Complete Your Poultry Setup
Pair your nesting boxes with other coop essentials:
Shop the Pets Gear Chicken Nesting Boxes collection now and give your hens the clean, private laying space they deserve—plus faster, cleaner egg collection for you.
FAQs – Chicken Nesting Boxes
What size nesting box do I need for backyard hens?
For standard layers (ISA Brown, Australorp, Hy-Line), a box around 30–35cm wide, 30cm high, and 30–35cm deep is a great starting point. Larger heritage or dual-purpose breeds may prefer slightly deeper boxes.
Are rollaway nest boxes worth it?
Yes—if you’re dealing with dirty, cracked, or eaten eggs, a roll away nest box helps by separating the egg from the hen quickly, so you collect cleaner eggs even if you can’t check the coop multiple times a day.
How many nesting boxes should I have?
Plan for around 1 box per 3–4 hens. If your hens all want the same box (very common), add an extra unit or choose a multi-compartment model.
Can I add these boxes to my existing chicken coop?
Most of our chicken nesting boxes are designed to be wall-mounted or fitted into existing coops. Check each product page for dimensions and mounting details.
Do I need to line the nesting box?
Yes. Straw, nesting pads, or shavings help cushion eggs and keep hens comfortable. Even with rollaway designs, a small amount of bedding can help acceptance.
How do I train my chickens to use a new rollaway box?
For the first week, add familiar nesting material (like straw) and consider placing a fake egg or golf ball in the nest to encourage laying in the new spot.
Can these boxes be mounted on a wall?
Yes—many units include pre-drilled holes or brackets, making it easy to mount to timber frames, metal panels, or mesh (use washers where needed).
Do rollaway boxes break eggs?
No. The slope is gentle and the tray is designed to catch eggs softly. In many cases, rollaway designs reduce breakage by preventing hens from stepping on freshly laid eggs.
Why are metal boxes better than plastic or wood?
Metal is durable, rot-proof, chew-resistant, and easier to keep clean. It’s also less likely to provide cracks and seams where mites can hide. Plastic is also hygienic, but metal typically offers better long-term durability in harsh UV conditions.
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