Is it ok if my nesting boxes are maybe 6-8 inches off the ground?

[Big Red Barn]

It's right about the time my chickens will start laying and I was wondering if it's alright that the nesting boxes are about 6-8 inches off the ground with no ramp leading up to it. They can jump into it and it is evident that they've been in them before because last time I cleaned out the coop there was some poop in them. I'm just not sure if they'd think of it as a place to lay. I have put golf balls in there so hopefully that will help
Thanks in advance! 'v'

 

[Fred's Hens]

That's fine. Mine are just about that height, although, I start with them flat on the ground.

There's no need to have the nests available until point of lay, or when you see the little pullet eggs dropped from the roost at night, unawares. All they do is make a mess in the boxes if you give them access any earlier. Golf balls have been known to work, indeed.