I always have a problem with my non-laying girls sleeping in the nesting boxes, despite having a perfectly lovely roost. And yes, I frequently find 5 or 6 chickens in one box. It is like an Escher drawing (good analogy lesliedow). I guess I could cover the boxes in the evening, and then uncover them in the morning, but I'd have to get up REALLY early to uncover them before my other girls want to lay. The problem always seems to solve itself once all the girls reach laying age. Until then, I just continually clean out the boxes so the eggs stay clean. Does anyone have a better solution? I've always wondered.The first three days, the eggs I got were all in the same nest box. I have heard this is quite common. I have 6, and they all seem interested in just that one. I have found one of my RIR sleeping in box #1. There is now poo in it.. where there never was before. I think the poster that mentioned working on the door meant to open it from behind, to see who was laying. Could be wrong,, but that is what I thought she meant. I've seen some nest boxes more closed than others... maybe they might like the privacy My flock was a July 23rd hatch, and one just started. You probably have a few more weeks... Good Luck! What breeds do you have leslie?
MB