FAQ's

Chickens are intelligent creatures and typically adapt quickly to new nest boxes. However, if your hens have formed a strong attachment to their current nesting box, they may need extra help transitioning. Use the following temporary tips to make the switch as smooth and calming as possible:

• Remove the old nesting box to encourage the use of the new one.
• Place the new nest box on the coop floor in the darkest part of the coop.
• Fill the nest box with plenty of straw or wood shavings to create a comfortable environment.
• Keep the red curtains open by using magnets or tape to make the new box more inviting.
• Close off the egg collection tray so eggs stay in the nesting area for now.
• Place fake or real eggs in the nest box after closing off the tray to encourage your hens.
• Keep hens in the coop until they’ve laid their eggs in the morning to help them adjust.
• If you see a hen trying to lay in the wrong spot, gently place her in the new nest box and raise the roost bar until she’s done.
• Add extra lighting to the darker areas of the coop, as hens naturally prefer laying in shaded spots.
• If eggs are found outside the nest, move them to the nest box immediately to prevent other hens from copying this behavior.
• Transfer bedding from the old nest box to the new one for a familiar scent and texture.
• Block off areas where eggs shouldn’t be laid to avoid confusion.

Remember, these steps are only temporary. Once your hens adjust to their new nest box, you can phase out these tricks.

If your chickens are still managing to reach under the tray and peck at the eggs, don’t worry! Check out this video for a helpful tip!

Keep your eggs from freezing with our electric Heat Mats! These mats can increase the temperature inside the collection tray by up to 20°F. Click here to order now!

See our recommended nest box capacity below:

Small Nest Box: Holds 4 hens at a time, suitable for up to 20 hens

Medium Nest Box: Holds 6 hens at a time, suitable for up to 32 hens

Large Nest Box: Holds 8 hens at a time, suitable for up to 52 hens

X-Large Nest Box: Holds 12 hens at a time, suitable for up to 75 hens

For larger hen breeds like Brahmas, Buff Orpingtons, or Jersey Giants, we recommend reducing the maximum capacity by 5 hens per nest box size. For example, the Small Nest Box would accommodate 15 large breed hens instead of the usual 20.

We recommend setting aside 30 to 60 minutes to complete the assembly of your nest box.

We recommend mounting your nest box roughly 30” off your coop floor.

Yes, you can definitely double-stack your nesting boxes, and many of our customers do so without any problems. However, for larger operations with 1,000 or more hens, there can be a tendency for the flock to favor either the top or bottom box, which might lead to overcrowding. For smaller flocks, this typically isn't an issue.

Yes, your nest box will include everything you need, such as:

(1) Nest Pad

(1) Hanger Set (for secure wall mounting)

Magnets (front rollout configuration)

Predator Locks (rear rollout configuration)

This chart provides the necessary dimensions for the rear rollout. Click here to view the chart!

All HenGear nest boxes feature a “community style” design, meaning they do not have the divider walls typically seen in traditional nest boxes (such as 2-hole, 4-hole, or 8-hole nests). In traditional setups, hens often prefer to occupy nests already taken by other hens, leading to overcrowding and competition for space. This can cause unnecessary stress and even injury.

With HenGear’s community-style design, the absence of divider walls helps prevent overcrowding, offering a more relaxed and safer nesting environment for your flock.

Unfortunately, we do not provide custom-sized nest boxes. However, we welcome any suggestions for improvements! Feel free to email us at support@hengear.com.

Yes, all nest boxes come with a set of predator locks.

Unfortunately, our heat mat does not support solar power at this time.

Magnets are included with every box but are intended for the front configuration. With the addition of predator locks in each nest box, magnets are no longer needed for the rear rollout configuration.

Step 1: Open up the lid to access the timer, verify the screen is on.

Step 2: Check whether you are on solar or AC plug. If on solar, switch to plug.

Step 3: Verify that outlet the AutoRoost is plugged into is powered.

Step 4: Be sure that programming is set to 1-On (Time) 1 Off (Time+1 second)

Step 5: Be sure that timer is set to "auto off".

Step 6: Verify that the magnet unlocks when turning timer to on. (Do not leave timer in on position, turn back to Auto Off)

Step 7: Verify all spade connectors are plugged in fully and in Correct Order. From top to bottom: (Blue, Red, Red, Black)

Step 8: If still having issues, take pictures of timer and plugs and email them to support@hengear.com.

For more information watch this video here!

When properly maintained and cleaned, our HenGear nesting pads can last 2-3 years.

To clean your nest pad, remove it and gently shake it out weekly. On a monthly basis, soak it in hot, soapy water and then rinse it with a low-pressure hose before placing it back in the nest box.

All returns must be made within 30 days of the order date. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately, we can’t offer you a refund or exchange. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. The buyer is responsible for the return shipping cost.

Please email support@hengear.com to authorize a return.

All orders ship Monday through Friday.

• Nest Boxes: Ship within 24 hours. Orders placed after 1:00 pm EST on Friday will be processed the following Monday.
• Accessory Orders: Ship within 48 hours and are sent via USPS.
• Coop Orders: Ship within 3-7 days.

Shipping costs for all products are calculated at checkout after you enter your full shipping address.

We offer free shipping on select nest box accessories, which will be clearly noted on the product pages