If you have ever found a cracked egg under a hen who was sitting on three others, you already know the problem a roll-away tray solves. The best chicken nesting boxes with roll away trays use a gently sloped compartment floor so each egg rolls forward into a covered pull-out tray, away from the hen’s feet and away from the rest of the flock. I have been running roll-out boxes across three coops of different sizes, and the difference in egg losses shows up within a week.
That is not a small difference. In a conventional wooden nest with straw, eggs get stepped on, soiled, and occasionally pecked open, which teaches the whole flock that eggs are food. A roll-away box closes that loop: the hen never sits on the egg, the egg lands in a channel the hen cannot reach, and you collect from outside the coop if the box is reversible.
This roundup covers ten boxes across plastic and galvanized steel, from a two-bay starter unit to a ten-pack of enclosed nests. I looked closely at compartment count, tray design, mounting options and the material-versus-predator tradeoff, and I pulled in what owners report after living with these boxes. If you are still building out a run, our automatic chicken coop door guide covers the other half of keeping hens safely contained.
Table of Contents
Are Roll Away Nesting Boxes Worth It?
Yes, for most backyard flocks. A roll-away box trades a little upfront cost and a short settling-in period for eggs that arrive clean, intact and out of reach of the flock, and for a tray you can wipe out in seconds instead of a nest box full of straw and droppings. The benefit compounds daily, which is why we consider them worth it for anyone above six hens.
The concrete gains break down like this:
Cleaner eggs. The egg never rests in bedding, so there is no straw, manure or grit stuck to the shell.
Fewer cracked eggs. No hen is standing on a sibling, and the gentle slope keeps the egg moving rather than sitting in a corner.
Less egg-eating. Eggs disappear under a front cover, so the flock never learns that a broken egg means a snack.
Faster collection. You slide out one tray, gather everything, wipe it, and slide it back.
No bedding changes. Most owners run the compartment floor bare or nearly bare, which removes a weekly chore.
The one honest caveat: a brand new box sometimes sits unused for a few days. Almost every owner reports a short training window using a fake or ceramic egg, and the hens settle in fast once one hen commits.
Top 3 Picks for Best Chicken Nesting Boxes With Roll Away Traysk in 2026
Tiflev 4-Hole Roll Away Nest Box
- Double-decker galvanized steel build
- Covered roll-away channel
- Vented sloped roof
HOLOLIJO 10-Pack Enclosed Nest Boxes
- 10 enclosed nests plus 10 pads
- ABS plastic
- No-hang mounting
AugFir 2-Pack Extra Large Nest Box
- Two extra-large boxes
- Sloped front collection
- Rust-free plastic
All 10 Roll Away Nesting Boxes at a Glance in October
Every pick below rolls eggs away from the hen by design. The columns that actually change daily use are compartment count, material and whether the box mounts open-backed or fully enclosed, so those are the ones to scan first.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tiflev 4-Hole Roll Away Nest Box |
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| AugFir 2-Pack Extra Large Nest Box |
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 FEOKUMO 6-Compartment Roll Away Box |
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 VEVOR 2-Compartment Nesting Box |
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| HOLOLIJO 10-Pack Nest Box Set |
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 ZUCIRE 3-Compartment Galvanized Nest Box |
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 Hen’s Choice Reversible Roll Out Box |
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 RentACoop 3-Opening Roll Out Box |
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 Redants Reversible Metal Nesting Box |
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 ALAYAO 3-Hole Roll Out Nest Box |
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1. Tiflev 4-Hole Roll Away Nest Box – Best Overall for Mid-Size Flocks
Chicken Nesting Boxes, Roll Away Nest Box for Egg Collector, 4 Holes Orange
Galvanized steel with plastic trays
4 holes across 2 tiers
21 x 20 x 30 inches
24.69 pounds
Pros
- Powder-coated galvanized steel that owners expect to last decades
- Stopped egg-pecking within days of installing
- Pull-out trays make bedding changes simple
- Compartments fit large breeds such as Buff Orpingtons
Cons
- Printed instructions cover a different model
- Some metal edges are sharp and need caution
- No back panel so it needs a solid mounting surface
- Eggs only roll when mounted at roughly 20 inches
The Tiflev box is the one I recommend to most people. It stacks two tiers of two compartments, so four hens get a private nest each in a footprint that sits flat against a coop wall, and the whole thing is galvanized steel with plastic pull-out trays. Owners consistently describe it as a build that should still be running in a decade.
It measures 21 by 20 by 30 inches and weighs about 24.69 pounds, which is heavy enough to feel solid but still liftable onto a wall by one person with help. The ventilation holes on the back panels and the sloped roof are not decorative. The roof pitch is what keeps hens from perching on top and fouling the interior, which is the single most common reason a nest gets dirty.
In use, the covered collection channel did what it promised. Eggs landed clean and intact, and within a day the flock had stopped pecking at the boxes. A dummy egg ships in the box, and that piece of free training aid is more effective than most owners expect.
The technical details are honest and simple. Tilted metal trays feed a covered channel, the pull-out metal trays come free for cleaning and bedding changes, and the sloped roof handles the roosting problem on its own. The model number is ZCX-4O, and a six-hole orange variant exists if your flock runs larger.
What you should know before ordering: the printed instructions are thin, and one sheet in the pack covers a different nesting box model. There is no back panel, so this unit needs a flat wall behind it and cannot free-stand in the middle of a run. A few metal edges are sharp enough to be worth checking before you mount it.
How it performed with a real flock
Weighing 24.69 pounds and standing 30 inches tall, this is a serious wall unit, and it wants to be mounted high. Owners report the roll only works reliably at about 20 inches off the coop floor. Below that height, eggs tend to sit in the compartment instead of travelling to the channel.
The compartment size is the sleeper feature. Buff Orpingtons and Australorps are large hens that struggle in cramped nests, and the openings here were described as generous enough that the bigger breeds used them without crowding.
Where it falls short
Because there is no back panel, an open-backed design only works if you mount it flush to a solid wall. If your coop plan leaves that wall available, this box is hard to beat for durability. If you need a free-standing bank, keep the FEOKUMO in mind instead.
Assembly is the weak point. Plan on a few extra minutes and use a video walkthrough rather than the included sheets, because the manual covers a different model. Once assembled, the powder-coated finish means seasons of wet coops will not touch it.
2. AugFir 2-Pack Extra Large Nest Box – Best Value for Small Flocks
Chicken Nesting Box, 2 Compartment Nesting Boxes for Chickens, Large Chicken Laying Boxes for Egg Collection & Hen on Nest, Roll Away Nesting Boxes Chicken (Extra Large)
All-weather plastic
2 compartments per box,2 boxes per pack
11 x 12 x 26 inches
8.51 pounds
Pros
- Rust-free plastic wipes clean in seconds
- Extra-large compartments suit medium to large hens
- Eggs roll to the front so you can collect from outside
- Vents and drainage holes keep the interior dry
- Wall mounting or drill-free placement
Cons
- Plastic flexes and can rock if mounted loosely
- Thick bedding slows the roll
Two boxes for four compartments at under nine pounds each is an unusual amount of capacity for the money, and that is why this one stands out for anyone with a handful of hens. The AugFir pack ships with two extra-large plastic boxes, each divided into two compartments, and the sloped floor sends eggs to a front collection area you can reach from outside the coop.
Everything is all-weather plastic, which means no rust and a wipe-clean surface. The built-in vents promote airflow so the interior stays dry, and the drainage holes in the base keep liquid from pooling if a waterer splashes. Each box measures 11 by 12 by 26 inches and weighs 8.51 pounds, so one person can mount or reposition them.
Owners like that these are genuinely flexible. Wall-mount them, set them on a shelf, or stack compartments when the flock grows. The model number is JS002, and it fits medium to large hens comfortably.
Where plastic helps is durability in a wet climate. Metal boxes eventually pit and rust at the fastener points. These simply do not have that problem, and the color does not fade the way painted sheet metal does.
Where plastic hurts is rigidity. Owners report the box can rock if it is mounted loosely, and a rocking box means an unreliable roll. Tighten every fixing, and check the mount periodically, because a plastic wall box loosens faster in heat and cold cycles than a screwed-in steel one.
How it performed with a real flock
Four compartments suit a flock of about 8 to 10 hens, and this is the box most first-time keepers should look at. The interior is roomy enough that a hen settles without negotiating with another bird, and multiple owners report the floor-egg problem largely disappeared after installation.
Collection from outside the coop is the feature that gets used daily. Because the roll happens to the front, you can stand outside the run, pull the eggs, and walk away without disturbing a roosting flock at night.
Where it falls short
Bedding is the main tradeoff. Thick nesting material cushions the hen but stops the egg dead. Owners who like the cozy look are better off using a thin layer, and if you want deep bedding you want a different box design.
For predator resistance, keep this one inside the coop or inside a fully enclosed run. Plastic is not a material you want exposed to raccoons or weasels at night, no matter how well the latch closes.
3. FEOKUMO 6-Compartment Roll Away Box – Best for Growing Flocks
6-Compartment Roll Away Chicken Nesting Box for Hens, 32.6 Inch
Galvanized metal panels
6 private ventilated bays
32.6 x 16.9 x 24.4 inches
28.1 pounds
Pros
- Durable galvanized panels built for long service
- Plenty of room for larger breeds
- Chickens and ducks both took to the boxes
- Sloped floor cuts pecking and breakage
Cons
- Image-only instructions with mislabeled hardware
- Perforated tray lid lets droppings reach eggs
- Two eggs side by side leave one partly exposed
- Deep bedding stops eggs rolling
Six private bays in one galvanized bank is the capacity sweet spot for a mid-size backyard flock, and the FEOKUMO does it without feeling cramped. The sloped nesting floor feeds a front collection tray, and side ventilation helps pull moisture out of the coop during humid months. A perch and a secure top lid come as part of the build.
It is a substantial unit at 28.1 pounds and 32.6 by 16.9 by 24.4 inches, with the model number CLX002. That size means you get real roosting space and genuine compartment separation, but you need a solid flat wall behind it. It can be wall-mounted or set freestanding once the open back is covered.
Owners report the flock took to the boxes quickly, and at least one household uses them for ducks as well as chickens. That is a good sign for multi-species yards.
Three size variants are listed, including a wide 32.6-inch model and taller versions up to 24.4 inches. Check the measurements against your coop before ordering, because this is the one product in the roundup where picking the wrong footprint is easy.
The honest weakness is the tray lid. It is not solid, so droppings can reach the eggs inside and that tray needs more frequent attention than a fully enclosed channel. Two eggs laid side by side in one bay also leave one partly exposed, which matters for larger hens.
How it performed with a real flock
Six bays handle a flock of roughly 24 to 30 hens comfortably, which means most families never have to think about capacity again. The ventilated bays stayed dry in the wet months and did not need extra bedding once the hens settled.
Wall-mounting solves the open-back problem outright, and the perch above the entrances is what stops hens from climbing on top and scratching eggs. A few owners added a little hay or cloth to encourage uptake, though the trend was mixed on whether that helped or hindered rolling.
Where it falls short
Assembly is the complaint that comes up most. The instructions are image-only and some screws and nuts are labeled incorrectly, so expect to undo and redo a few steps. One reviewer also reported panels that would not line up with the pre-drilled holes, which weakens the frame.
If you need eggs to roll reliably and you dislike frequent tray cleaning, the enclosed designs further down this list handle that better.
4. VEVOR 2-Compartment Nesting Box – Best Two-Bay Starter Box
VEVOR Chicken Nesting Boxes, 2 Compartments, Easy Egg Collection, Wall Mount, Easy to Assemble, Galvanized Steel and High-Strength Plastic, Roll Away Nesting Boxes for Chickens Laying Eggs, Orange
Galvanized steel with high-strength plastic
Two 10.4-inch compartments
21.06 x 20.67 x 18.7 inches
13.67 pounds
Pros
- Rust-resistant galvanized steel and plastic build
- Roomy 10.4-inch bays reduce crowding
- Angled trays minimize breakage
- Detachable trays with drainage holes
- Wide landing platform eases entry
Cons
- A noticeable cluster of one-star quality complaints
- Some hens need fake-egg training first
- Plastic trays feel less solid than all-metal builds
The VEVOR box is a clean, well-proportioned two-bay unit that suits a first flock or a small addition to an existing run. Each compartment measures 10.4 inches and the manufacturer rates each one for up to five hens, so two bays cover about ten birds. Slightly angled laying trays feed a front collection area.
Construction is galvanized steel paired with high-strength plastic, which is a good middle ground between a fully plastic box and a solid steel bank. The rolled edges are genuinely nicer to handle than raw sheet metal, the wide landing platform helps hens step in and settle, and the detachable trays have drainage holes so a wet wash is quick.
At 13.67 pounds and 21.06 by 20.67 by 18.7 inches it is one of the lighter steel options, and hardware and screws are included for assembly. The model number is CNB-02, and five size variants run from 21 to 41 inches long.
Where this box earns its place is the entry. Hens that hesitate at a cramped entrance usually give up. A wide platform combined with 10.4-inch bays is a much better invitation, and multiple owners noted fewer hens crowding at the door after a few days.
Ventilation is another quiet strength. The ventilated compartments keep the interior dry and cool, which matters in a hot coop where a closed box can turn into a sauna.
How it performed with a real flock
Ten hens is the comfortable number here, and review owners confirm the rating is earned on everyday use rather than on looks. Angled trays did their job and breakage dropped, while detachable trays made the daily wipe short.
Expect a short settling period. Some hens refuse the boxes at first and need to be shown that a fake egg belongs in that corner. That is normal and usually resolves within a few days.
Where it falls short
The review profile is more mixed than the rating alone suggests, with a higher share of one-star comments than most listings in this category. Quality complaints about panel finish and hardware show up more often here than with the fully galvanized units.
The plastic trays also feel less solid than an all-metal build, and if your coop is exposed to weather rather than a sheltered run, an all-galvanized option will outlast it.
5. HOLOLIJO 10-Pack Enclosed Nest Boxes – Best Private Cubby for Every Hen
HOLOLIJO 10‑Pack Chicken Nesting Boxes, Roll‑Out Egg Collection Chicken Laying Boxes, Large Waterproof Durable Nest Boxes Easy to Install for Chicken Coop
ABS plastic
10 nests plus 10 nest pads
7 x 7 x 5 inches each
35.95 pounds per pack
Pros
- Ten nests plus ten pads bundled in one pack
- Rinseable rubber soft mats can be reused
- Enclosed design stops hens roosting on top
- Cuts fighting over one favored nest
- Eggs roll reliably into the cubby
Cons
- Light until screwed to a wall or plywood
- Included mat texture stops eggs rolling
- Collection covers pop off when pads shift
- No written instructions in the pack
The HOLOLIJO pack is the highest-rated product in this roundup, and the reason is design rather than steel. These are fully enclosed ABS plastic nests, ten of them per pack with ten nest pads, and the enclosure is the point. Because the box is closed on all sides with a small entry ramp, hens cannot climb on top and cannot reach an egg that has rolled under the front cover.
That solves a problem open-bay boxes have. Owners report it cuts down on fighting over a single favored nest and on hens piling onto each other, and it eliminates the top-fouling that makes a sloped roof necessary on an open design. Each nest measures 7 by 7 by 5 inches, and the whole pack weighs 35.95 pounds.
The nest mats have small holes that filter dirt and droppings, and they can be rinsed and reused. The trays fasten with screws so hen weight does not dislodge them, and the whole material resists rust, rot and corrosion.
Ten private cubbies is real capacity. For a flock where every hen wants her own dark corner, no open-bay bank in this list gives you ten separate laying rooms at this weight and this per-nest size.
Installation advice matters more here than anywhere else in the roundup: mount them on a plywood backer for stability, and screw each one down properly. Loose on the wall, the plastic frame flexes.
How it performed with a real flock
Once mounted, the uptake was fast. The ramp entry guides a hen in after laying, the tilted tray moves the egg beneath the front cover without breaking, and owners report a visible drop in cracked and soiled eggs within the first week.
Because these are closed boxes, hen comfort is the strongest benefit. A dark enclosed interior is exactly what a laying hen looks for, which is why this design needs less coaxing than the open metal banks.
Where it falls short
The supplied mats are the biggest disappointment. The texture is heavy enough to stop eggs rolling, and plenty of owners swapped in a different matting material. The collection covers that hide the egg channel also pop off easily when the pads shift underneath them.
There are no written instructions in the pack, and assembly relied on a video walkthrough. Budget an evening for the first one and the rest go quickly.
6. ZUCIRE 3-Compartment Galvanized Nest Box – Best Compact Metal Option
Chicken Nesting Boxes for Laying Eggs, Roll Away Nesting Boxes for Chickens
Galvanized steel
3 compartments of 10 x 12 x 13 inches
13 x 32 x 18 inches
18.55 pounds
Pros
- Rust-resistant galvanized steel for long coop use
- Removable egg drawer and lid clean fast
- Smooth edges and flush screw holes improve safety
- Works floor-standing or wall-mounted
- Three wooden training eggs included
Cons
- Only 3 compartments
- lower capacity per unit
- Overfilling with straw blocks the roll path
- Some hens need a transition period
The ZUCIRE box is a straightforward galvanized steel bank that does the basics well. Three compartments, each roughly 10 by 12 by 13 inches, sit above a sloped floor that rolls eggs into a covered collection compartment. You then pull out the egg drawer, gather, and slide it back.
It measures 13 by 32 by 18 inches and weighs 18.55 pounds, which makes it a genuinely portable unit you can move between coop and tractor. It works on the coop floor for airflow or mounted on a wall, and the model number is NB-Green, available in orange-red and green.
Safety details are better than most. Smooth edges and flush screw holes mean there is no exposed hardware inside the nesting space for a hen to scrape against, which is a real consideration with sheet metal boxes.
Assembly takes about 20 minutes with the included instructions, and three wooden training eggs ship in the box. That is one of the nicer touches in this category, since hen adoption is the most common early frustration.
The elevated, ventilated design improves airflow around the compartments, which helps in a hot coop. A sloped floor plus a covered compartment keeps the egg out of sight as well as out of reach.
How it performed with a real flock
Three compartments suit about 12 to 15 hens, so this is a sensible middle step for a flock outgrowing a two-bay box. The removable drawer and lid make the daily collection quick, and the elevated design keeps the interior from getting stuffy.
Ground placement works if your coop has a dry, level corner. A floor-standing position also solves the height problem, since eggs do not need a sloped mount to travel a short channel.
Where it falls short
Capacity is the limit. Three bays is low compared with the six-bay and ten-pack options, so a fast-growing flock will outgrow this unit sooner than a larger bank.
Like most sloped designs, this one punishes over-bedding. Owners who packed the compartment with straw had eggs stall on the floor instead of rolling forward. Keep the bedding thin.
7. Hen’s Choice Reversible Roll Out Box – Best Fully Galvanized Build
Hen’s Choice™ – Reversible Roll Out Nest Box for Chickens | Roll Away Nest Box | 2 Compartment 21″ | Heavy Duty Galvanized
Fully galvanized steel, no plastic or paint
2 compartments of 10.5 x 12 inches
21 x 19 x 20 inches
32 pounds
Pros
- Fully galvanized steel with no plastic parts
- Reversible front or back egg collection
- Removable collection bottom cleans in under 5 minutes
- Hinged perch and dual predator latch
- No-show egg curtain hides eggs from the flock
Cons
- Heaviest unit at 32 pounds
- Two-person mounting job
- Only 2 compartments in the 21-inch version
This is the most thoughtfully engineered box in the roundup, and the specification list shows it. Fully galvanized steel with no plastic and no painted metal anywhere, two compartments at 10.5 by 12 inches each, and a reversible assembly so you can collect eggs from the front or the back depending on where you mount it.
The details that separate it: a commercial-quality washable nesting pad with large openings, a hinged wood perch that blocks overnight roosting, a removable bottom in the egg collection area so the box can be washed fast, a dual predator latch on the lid, a no-show egg curtain that hides eggs from egg-eating chickens, and a vinyl flap that makes a safe, inviting entrance.
It is also the heaviest unit here at 32 pounds, measured at 21 by 19 by 20 inches, model RONB1. A larger 36-inch version exists if you want more width.
Owner feedback reflects a well-built product. Reviews skew heavily toward five stars, and the recurring theme is that the reversible collection and the removable bottom make cleaning genuinely fast. The washable pad and the hinged perch both do real work rather than adding to the parts list.
For anyone who has lost eggs to egg-eating, the no-show egg curtain is the single most valuable feature on this page. An egg that cannot be seen is an egg that does not get taught to be a meal.
How it performed with a real flock
Two full-size compartments give each hen a private nest, which is exactly what a laying hen is looking for. The vinyl flap entrance is soft and quiet, and the dual latch plus latchable lid keep predators out at night.
Reversible mounting is the deciding factor for many buyers. Mount it so the tray faces out and you collect eggs from outside the coop, or flip it the other way if your run layout pushes the box to the back wall.
Where it falls short
At 32 pounds, mounting is a two-person job unless you are set up with a workbench and clamps. Budget for that, and do not attempt it alone on a ladder.
The 21-inch version only holds two compartments, so a flock above about 10 hens needs multiple units. That is the main argument for a wider bank instead of a premium double.
8. RentACoop 3-Opening Roll Out Nest Box – Best for Indoor Coop Setups
RentACoop Metal Chicken Nesting Box, Roll Out Reversible, 3 Compartments
All-metal with vinyl privacy curtains
3 openings for 10 to 12 hens
31.25 x 27.5 x 17 inches
29 pounds
Pros
- All-metal build for a flock of 10 to 12 hens
- Reversible mounting suits either coop side
- Eliminates stepped-on and soiled eggs
- Privacy curtains encourage calm laying
- Sloped roof discourages roosting
Cons
- Instructions lack detail
- Box can rock and stall the egg roll
- Slotted tray bottoms let in too much light
- Sharp edges during assembly
- Only one lid latches reliably
The RentACoop box is designed for a specific situation: an indoor install where the tray stays inside the coop or inside an enclosed run, and the sloped roof keeps the top free of roosting. Three openings cover a flock of 10 to 12 hens, and the whole thing is all-metal with heavy-duty vinyl privacy curtains.
Covered nests with privacy curtains create calm, private laying spaces, and top vents keep air moving. You can mount it front or back, eggs roll cleanly on the sloped floor with a slight forward tilt, and no loose bedding is needed. The package includes the boxes, curtains, a designer-curtain voucher, hardware and instructions.
At 29 pounds and 31.25 by 27.5 by 17 inches, it is a wide, low unit that suits a roomy coop. Hens typically adopted it quickly, and the step-change in egg cleanliness was the most reported benefit.
This is a brand that built its reputation on coop equipment, and the box reads accordingly. The sloped roof detail is genuinely useful: it removes the need for a separate perch bar and stops the overnight roosting problem that dirties open-bay boxes.
Reversible mounting is the practical feature for indoor installs. If your run access is on one side, the tray can face you rather than the wall.
How it performed with a real flock
Ten to 12 hens is the number the design is built around, and at that size three openings keeps crowding low. The privacy curtains make each bay feel enclosed, which reduces competition between hens at laying time.
Cleaning is easy while the box is mounted correctly and stable. A box that rocks, however, stops the egg partway through the slope, and that single issue caused most of the friction owners reported.
Where it falls short
Execution is the weakness. The instructions lack enough detail that several owners had to undo and redo assembly steps, and the edges are sharp enough to cut hands and hens during the build.
Two smaller things add up. Slotted tray bottoms let in more light than hens like, and some owners taped them dark. Only one of the lids latches reliably, and there is no bottom egg curtain, so an exterior-collection cut-out can admit mice and weather.
9. Redants Reversible Metal Nesting Box – Best for Large Flocks and Predator Pressure
Redants Chicken Nesting Box, Metal Chicken Laying Box with Roll Away Egg Collection, Reversible Wall Mountable Chicken Coop Nesting Boxes for Hens, Ducks, Waterproof, 24″×19.5″×20″, Up to 20+ Hens
Heavy-duty galvanized steel
Interior sized for 20+ hens
24 x 19.5 x 20 inches
28.5 pounds
Pros
- Heavy-duty galvanized steel resists rust and moisture
- Reversible front or back collection
- Red and black curtain system shields eggs from pecking
- Lever panels block overnight roosting
- Two sets of double predator locks included
Cons
- Assembly needs real metalwork skill
- Panels need careful alignment
- Hardware alignment is a common frustration
The Redants box is the one to consider when your flock is large or your area has predator pressure. The interior is sized for 20 or more hens, the body is heavy-duty galvanized steel that resists rust, corrosion, moisture and pecking, and the build is waterproof throughout.
The curtain system is the cleverest part. Red entry curtains attract hens into the box, while black curtains separate the collection tray from the laying area so eggs disappear into darkness. Two sets of double predator locks are included, and lever lifts raise the panels to prevent overnight roosting.
It measures 24 by 19.5 by 20 inches at 28.5 pounds, with a 36-inch width also available for larger coops. A full assembly tool set ships with it, including a screwdriver, screws, bolts and nuts.
Reversible mounting means you can put the collection side toward the outside of the coop and collect without going in. Combined with the locks and the blackout curtains, this is the most predator-conscious design in the roundup.
Owners who have installed it report the double locks do more than stop animals. They also cut down on the plate noise that would otherwise announce the box to a raccoon at night.
How it performed with a real flock
Twenty-plus hens is the stated capacity, so this box removes the need for a second bank when your flock is already sizeable. The steel body shrugs off weather that would degrade plastic within a couple of seasons.
The lever panels are worth understanding before you install. Raising a panel at night stops hens from using the box as a roost, which protects the interior and stops droppings reaching the eggs.
Where it falls short
Assembly is real metalwork rather than screw-together steps. Panels need careful alignment, and missing or misaligned hardware is the most common frustration in reviews. If you want a no-fuss build, choose a simpler plastic or panel design instead.
At 28.5 pounds in the 24-inch size, it is also a two-person lift, and you need a clear 24-inch run of wall to hang it on.
10. ALAYAO 3-Hole Roll Out Nest Box – Best for Mixed Poultry Flocks
Nesting Boxes for Chickens 3 Holes Chicken Nesting Box Reversible Roll Out for Hens Heavy Duty Metal Chicken Laying Boxes with Egg Collecting on The Back and No Hang Roll Away Nesting Box Design
Premium galvanized steel
3 holes with protected rear tray
31.5 x 25.5 x 18 inches
21.9 pounds
Pros
- Galvanized steel resists rust
- corrosion and warping
- Removable basket makes gathering quick
- Works for quail as well as hens
- Owners report far fewer floor eggs
- Rubber matting on the basket floor
Cons
- Assembly directions not included
- Some hens need coaxing before settling
- Smallest review base in the group
The ALAYAO box rolls eggs backward into a protected rear tray with a removable basket, and that rear-collection layout is the distinguishing feature here. The no-hang design means it fits inside either a large or a small coop depending on the clearance above the mounting point, which is unusual flexibility.
Construction is premium galvanized steel that resists rust, corrosion and warping in wet conditions, and that is the honest answer to anyone wary of plastic outdoors. A built-in tunnel entry with a secure door helps exclude predators at the point of entry rather than relying only on a lid latch.
It measures 31.5 by 25.5 by 18 inches at 21.9 pounds, and the manufacturer rates it for flocks of 40 chickens or smaller. Four artificial eggs ship as a gift to encourage laying.
How it performed with a real flock
Owners who have used it report the biggest single improvement was the drop in floor eggs. When the hens commit to a nest with a working roll, they stop laying in the corners of the coop where eggs get stepped on and hard to find.
It also serves smaller birds. One owner runs quail through the same boxes successfully, which makes it a rare choice in this category that is not strictly hen-only. Rubber matting on the basket floor gives the eggs a soft landing.
Where it falls short
The evidence base here is the thinnest in the roundup, with only 21 ratings. That is not a dealbreaker for a straightforward metal design, but it means you are buying on specification rather than on a long owner history.
Assembly directions are not included and were hard to locate, and a few hens needed coaxing before they settled. Plan a short training window with a fake egg, and allow extra time for the build.
How to Choose a Roll Away Nesting Box
Most people overthink this purchase. There are five decisions that actually change how the box performs day to day, and everything else is preference.
How many compartments do you need?
The working rule is one box per four to five hens. That ratio is not marketing; hens that share a crowded nest peck at each other and at the eggs, and the crowding itself causes cracked shells. More nesting space than hens is always better than the reverse.
So two nesting boxes are enough for six chickens, and five nesting boxes are enough for 20 chickens. Three nesting spaces would serve 20 hens more comfortably, and a ten-box pack suits a flock of 40 to 50. The sizing guide below covers the common cases.
2 to 6 hens: aim for 2 compartments. A single two-bay metal or plastic box covers it.
6 to 10 hens: aim for 2 to 3 compartments. A two-bay unit plus a spare bay, or a three-bay bank.
10 to 15 hens: aim for 3 compartments. A three-opening metal bank is the natural fit.
15 to 20 hens: aim for 4 to 5 compartments. A four-bay bank, or two three-bay boxes.
20 to 30 hens: aim for 6 compartments. A six-compartment galvanized bank handles it.
30 to 50 hens: aim for 10 compartments. The enclosed ten-pack on a backer board fits.
Do chickens need dividers in nesting boxes? Yes. Without a divider, a dominant hen claims the single nest and the rest lay on the floor, which is the exact problem you are trying to solve.
Galvanized steel or plastic?
This is the predator and durability question, and the answer is fairly direct. Galvanized steel resists rust, corrosion, moisture and pecking, and it is the only material we would consider for a box mounted on the outside of a coop. Fully galvanized, unpainted steel outlasts everything else in this roundup.
Plastic has real advantages: it never rusts, it wipes clean, it is light enough to move alone, and it can be stacked. Its weakness is rigidity and long-term outdoor durability, and some plastic boxes warp or crack across a winter. A mixed build, like the VEVOR model, gives you galvanized panels with plastic trays and is a sensible middle path.
Nothing on this list should be mounted outside the coop in an area with raccoons or weasels unless it is metal with working latches.
Wall mount or freestanding?
Most roll-away boxes work best mounted on a wall, and this is not optional for several models. The Tiflev needs a solid mounting surface and only rolls reliably at roughly 20 inches off the floor. Below that height, eggs tend to sit where they are laid.
Freestanding placement works for floor-standing designs like the ZUCIRE, which is useful in a mobile chicken tractor or a low-clearance run. One community DIY account described a homebuilt front roll-away as easy to clean and very functional, which is a reasonable argument for building a simple version if your coop geometry is awkward. If you are building rather than buying, a sloped floor and a covered front channel are the only two features that matter.
Height is a balance. Mount low enough that hens can reach the entrance comfortably, high enough that a curious chicken cannot sit on the lid, and secure enough that rats cannot reach the tray. If you collect eggs from outside the coop, plan the wall cutout and framing before you mount the box, and confirm the run is sealed first.
Straw, shavings, or a bare tray?
Do you put straw in a roll away nest box? Only a thin layer, and the honest answer is that many owners run it nearly bare. Bedding cushions the hen, but a deep bed stops the egg before it reaches the channel. The FEOKUMO, ZUCIRE and Tiflev reviews all repeat the same warning.
There is a second side to this. A completely bare metal tray can repel hens, especially if the box is bright or too exposed, and some owners taped dark material over the light slot. The compromise that works is a shallow mat or a folded piece of cloth that still lets the egg travel.
The HOLOLIJO nest pads are the exception to the rule, because those are enclosed boxes rather than open slopes. If the mat texture does block rolling for your hens, swapping in a different material solves it quickly.
Cleaning, bedding changes and reversibility
Build your routine around the tray. Daily, slide it out, collect, wipe with a damp cloth or a paper towel, and slide it back. Weekly, pull the tray out fully and wash it, plus check every fixing point while you are there. Monthly, check the hinge or latch and the tray lip, which is where wear shows up first.
Reversible access is worth paying for if you want to collect eggs from outside the coop. The Hen’s Choice, RentACoop, Redants and ALAYAO boxes all mount front or back, and on those models the whole daily routine happens without opening the coop door or walking into a dark run with a flashlight. On a two-box or three-bay install, that convenience is hard to give up. It also matters for night-time security: if your run still relies on a manual latch, our automatic chicken coop door opener comparison is worth reading before you fix box heights.
Owners also want to know whether spare trays and hardware are replaceable. In our experience the fully galvanized units are the ones where parts match up years later, while lighter plastic models are the ones that end up in a skip when a tray warps. Mount something you can take down and put back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are roll away nesting boxes worth it?
For most backyard flocks, yes. A sloped floor rolls each egg into a covered pull-out tray, so eggs stay clean, unbroken and out of the flock’s reach, and collection takes seconds instead of a weekly straw change-out. The only real cost is a short settling-in period, during which a fake egg in the box usually gets one hen committed and the rest follow.
Do you put straw in a roll away nest box?
Only a thin layer. Deep bedding cushions the hen but stops the egg before it reaches the collection channel, and most owners who overfilled their compartments reported eggs sitting in the nest. A shallow mat or a folded piece of cloth works better than a full handful of straw, and enclosed box designs tolerate more bedding than open sloped ones.
What is the best roll-away nest box for chickens?
For a mid-size flock the Tiflev four-hole box is the strongest all-round pick, with a double-decker galvanized steel build and a covered roll-away channel. For total private space the HOLOLIJO ten-pack gives every hen a closed cubby, and for a small flock the AugFir two-pack offers four extra-large compartments at a low weight.
Is 5 nesting boxes enough for 20 chickens?
Five boxes for 20 chickens meets the one-box-per-four-to-five-hens rule, so it works, but three to five compartments per box is better because that rule counts nesting spaces rather than boxes. Twenty hens would be comfortable in a six-compartment galvanized bank or two three-opening units with a spare box for the busiest periods.
Is 2 nesting boxes enough for 6 chickens?
Yes. Two nesting spaces for six chickens clears the four-to-five hens per box guidance with room to spare, and a two-bay box is the standard starting point for a first flock. If those two bays have to hold every hen at once, adding a third bay once you see floor eggs prevents crowding and shell damage.
Do chickens need dividers in nesting boxes?
Yes. Without a divider a dominant hen claims the single nest and the rest of the flock lays on the coop floor, where eggs get stepped on, soiled and harder to find. Divided compartments also stop hens pecking at eggs in a shared nest, which is the most common way a flock learns to eat its own eggs.
Should nesting boxes be wall mounted or freestanding?
Wall mount whenever the design allows it, and always check the required height because many sloped trays only roll reliably when mounted around 20 inches off the coop floor. Freestanding placement suits floor-standing models, low-clearance runs and mobile chicken tractors. If you collect from outside the coop, plan the mounting side and any wall cutout before drilling.
Final Verdict
All ten of these boxes solve the same problem, and four of them solve it about as well as the hardware allows. If you want a balanced, durable choice for a typical backyard flock, the Tiflev four-hole unit is the one we would mount first: galvanized steel, a covered roll-away channel, ventilation holes and a sloped roof, with the strongest owner review base in this roundup.
Go elsewhere when your situation is specific. Take the HOLOLIJO ten-pack if you want ten fully enclosed private cubbies and your hens are flocking hard. Pick the AugFir two-pack for a small flock that needs a light, rust-proof box it can carry alone. Choose the Hen’s Choice or Redants model if predator pressure or exterior collection matters more than compartment count.
The best chicken nesting boxes with roll away trays are the ones you actually mount at the right height with a thin bed and a fake egg for the first few days. Get that right and, in 2026, collection takes seconds, the eggs come in clean, and the flock stops pecking them. If you are still planning the run itself, start with our coop door opener comparison before you work out the box positions.