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How to Make Decorative Nesting Boxes

Decorative nesting boxes are effective decorative focal points for yards. Keeping chickens has been in vogue for the past couple of years. Urban dwellers are even getting in on the action by raising chickens on their roofs or patios. To make an additional statement, you can decorate your box according to the colors of the yard or home. Although the chickens may not understand the decorations, you will enjoy the look of your decorative nesting boxes.

Things You'll Need

Non-toxic latex paint
Stencil
Pencil
Plywood
Circular saw
Nails
Drill
Screws
Wood
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Select a look or theme that you would like to incorporate when decorating your nesting box. It is better to forget using the inside of the box when planning, because the animals will use that as their living quarters. Get inspiration from the architecture of your home or natural surroundings.
- 2
  Paint your nesting box with an exterior, water-based latex paint that does not include any harmful chemicals that could harm the chickens. There are a number of non-toxic paints on the market that come in a wide selection of colors.
- 3
  Add decorative items on top of the nesting box. You could use a stencil to trace on a piece of plywood and cut it out using a circular saw. Paint the decorative item and nail it on top of the nesting box. Ensure that the nail does not stick out of the box, which could harm the chicken.
- 4
  Add a lip to the front of the nesting box in order to prevent the eggs from being pushed out. You can make the lip a bright color to make a stark visual difference from the hay inside the nesting box.
- 5
  Elevate the box to allow you to see the decorations. You can use a drill to drill through a back supporting wall to lift the nesting box off the floor.

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