So, I told y'all that I got all these buckets from work, right? I'm super stoked because there are homestead projects for these things all over the internet. I already have more planned, but this one is inspired by @hebrewhousewife with her bucket nesting boxes.

Are they nesting buckets??

I didn't know how many to go with. I have two hens that are about laying age. Or at least that's what I was told when I got them... about two months ago. I'll have six more when these little cure ones get old enough, probably next spring. I've got one egg crate and one corner of the coop structure that's set up to act as a nesting box, so I went with three more. I have more buckets if I need to make more.

Here's how I did it:

To start, I set up my air hose. That took an hour or so. I did that because I didn't want to sweep, I wanted to blow everything out the door. Instead of sweeping for five minutes, I fiddled with the setting up the hose reel for an hour. But that project is done, which is awesome.

I gathered materials, being:

1. Three buckets
2. A scrap 2x6
3. A scrap 2x8
4. Some scrap bits of 2x4
5. Screws

Tools included:

1. A screw gun
2. A circular saw
3. A grinder with cutoff wheel
4. A bit of string
5. A permanent marker

First, I cut the bucket lids. I used the string and marker to mark a straight line, using two notches in the bucket lids from their seals. I did it that way to make them uniform. I used the grinder to cut them.

Next I used the circular saw to cut the boards to fit where I wanted the setup. 2x6 and 2x8 both cut to three feet. Screw the bucket lids to them spaced evenly. I used two screws for each lid. I maybe should have used three, but it works this way.

I used screws long enough to go through the 2x6 into the 2x8 and make what'll be a little porch for the chickens. They'll appreciate it I'm sure.

Next, I drilled in 2x4s in the place where the setup goes. They're the braces on the walls that hold it up off the ground. I put it something like two feet off the ground. maybe a bit less. I didn't measure it. I used a small piece of 2x2 to level it on one side because I got tired of moving the 2x4.

I drilled a hole in the back bottom of each bucket. This is in case they get water in them. Not really something I'm worried about but still. Doesn't hurt to add a drain hole. The buckets used to contain a soapy water solution that we use at work for pressure testing tanks. I am debating washing it out.

TA-DA!

All done! Now just to add hay and see what happens! I need to buy a bunch of hay. I have ideas. For projects.

What do y'all do with your 5 gallon buckets? I need ideas!

Stay relevant.

Nate