If you’re wondering how to get more eggs from your flock, the secret might just be in the nesting box. A calm, clean, and comfortable nesting environment encourages hens to lay consistently—and herbs can play a major role in making that happen. Let’s dive into how to create an egg-laying haven in your coop using natural ingredients.

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Why Nesting Box Environment Matters

Just like us, hens want a peaceful, cozy space to do their most important job. A stressed or uncomfortable hen is less likely to lay, or may even start laying outside the box. Here’s what your nesting boxes need:

• Clean, dry bedding
• A quiet, low-traffic area
• Soft lighting or dimness
• Familiar scents that calm and attract hens

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🌿 How nesting box placement can make or break egg production

• ✅ Place boxes in a quiet, low-traffic area to reduce stress and encourage hens to lay.
• ✅ Avoid direct sunlight and drafts—hens prefer dark, cozy spaces for laying.
• ✅ Elevate boxes slightly off the ground to keep the area clean and discourage predators or pests.
• ✅ Ensure easy access—boxes should be reachable but not in the busiest part of the coop.
• ✅ Space out multiple boxes to prevent crowding and competition among hens.

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🌿 What makes a nesting box inviting to a laying hen

• ✅ Soft, dry bedding—add straw, pine shavings, or dried herbs for comfort and cleanliness.
• ✅ Include Nesting Box Herbs like lavender, chamomile, and marjoram to calm hens and repel pests.
• ✅ Maintain a dark, cozy environment—hens feel more secure when it’s not too bright.
• ✅ Keep boxes clean and odor-free to prevent hens from seeking other laying spots.
• ✅ Use fake eggs or ceramic nest eggs to show hens where to lay.

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🌿 The #1 thing to avoid when setting up your boxes

• ❌ Never place boxes directly under roosting bars—you’ll end up with droppings in the nest!
• ❌ Avoid overcrowding—one box per 3–4 hens is ideal to minimize squabbles.
• ❌ Don’t skip regular cleaning—dirty boxes can lead to egg-eating and disease.
• ❌ Avoid using slippery or hard surfaces inside the box—hens want soft nesting spots.
• ❌ Skip the scented sprays—strong smells can discourage hens from using the box (stick with natural herbs instead!).

The Power of Herbs in Nesting Boxes

Herbs don’t just smell great—they can actually influence behavior, health, and laying frequency. That’s why I created a special blend of Nesting Box Herbs for Chickens, featuring nine powerful, coop-safe herbs.

Here are the stars of the blend and how they help:

🌼 Marigold – Adds vibrant color and is thought to improve yolk color while repelling pests.

🌼 Chamomile – Soothing and calming, perfect for reducing stress in laying hens.

🌼 Peppermint – A refreshing scent that deters rodents and flies.

🌼 Parsley – Rich in vitamins; supports overall hen health.

🌼 Rosemary – Naturally antimicrobial and great for respiratory health.

🌼 Fennel Seed – Traditionally used to promote laying and stimulate appetite.

🌼 Dandelion Leaf – Full of minerals; supports digestion and detoxification.

🌼 Marjoram – Believed to help with hormone balance and encourage laying.

🌼 Lavender – A calming favorite that eases anxiety and helps hens feel safe.

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Enhance the Effects with Cooling Herbs

Especially during warm months, heat stress can affect laying frequency. That’s where my Cooling Herbs for Chickens come in. These are safe to add to feed, dust baths, or nesting areas:

🌼 Lemon Balm – Calms nerves and refreshes in hot weather.

🌼 Mint – Naturally cooling and bug-repelling.

🌼 Chamomile – Dual-purpose! Cooling and calming.

🌼 Calendula – Promotes skin health and adds a sunny touch to the nesting box.

🌼 Rosebuds – A fragrant herb that helps has antibacterial properties, aids in respiratory health and helps to improve egg laying!

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How to Use Nesting Box Herbs for Best Results

• Sprinkle in Nesting Boxes: Add a small handful to each nesting box once or twice a week.
• Mix into Bedding: Combine herbs with coop bedding for an aromatic, pest-repelling boost.
• Create Sachets: Hang small cloth bags filled with herbs to keep the coop smelling fresh.
• Freshen Weekly: Refresh herbs weekly to keep the scent active and inviting.

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Ready to See a Difference in Egg Production?

A little love goes a long way in the henhouse. With regular use of Nesting Box Herbs, many chicken keepers report:

📈 More consistent egg laying 🌟 Happier, calmer hens 🏡 A fresher-smelling coop

You can grab your own bag of Nesting Box Herbs or Cooling Herbs at shop.backyardchickensmama.com and start turning your nesting boxes into a spa for your chickens.

Treat your flock to a fragrant and functional upgrade—they’ll reward you with more eggs and better behavior!