Brittle eggs and big birds.. nest box problem?

[chantald]

I recently obtained 2 "heavy" birds.. a Buff O and a Brahma. My other hens are Rhode Island Reds.

I noticed pretty quickly that one of the new hens ( I assume it's her because this wasn't an issue before)..is laying an egg that gets crushed before I can collect it.

I have been using old milk crates as my nest boxes.. the hens hop onto the edge and hop in.. I'm wondering if this hopping is crushing that egg..

I also offer free choice oyster shells and feed a layer pellet..Agway brand..

Should I try introducing a new type of nest box..just a square box with tiny sides? Any other thoughts..? Both new hens look healthy and are active and have integrated very well with the other hens...

 

[gritsar]

I have brahmas. I use extra large, covered kitty litter boxes for my nestboxes. Never had a problem with broken eggs and the hens really seem to prefer the privacy the covered boxes offer.
Also, make sure your new hens know where the oyster shell is to be found. Offering low-fat, plain yogurt is a great way to boost their calcium intake and great for their digestive tract.