Nest Boxes

Especially because they'll be under the dropping boards (giving them a bit of isolation), your ideas for nest boxes should work just fine. I prefer shavings myself for bedding, but some like hay or straw. I'm paranoid about using those things for different reasons, including pest harboring (in hollow straw).
Since yours are just coming into laying age at the time the days are getting shorter, there's really no telling when you'll get eggs. Yours are old enough (although many start 23 or 24 weeks or later). But even chickens who have been laying well have dropped off in egg production due to the shorter days...

 

HI I am new here too. I have wooden milk crates that I plan to use as next boxes. I am going to tack a piece of wood about 3" high across the front so the bedding doesn't fall out. Not sure when RIR's usually lay, but make sure you check everywhere, not just the nest boxes for eggs. They don't always lay where you want them too. I heard that you can put golf balls in there to encourage them to lay in the box.

 

Here's a picture of my DD gathering the eggs, you can see the nest box in the lower right - it's an old cat litter bucket.



Milk crates, wash pans, rubbermaid tubs, toilet bowl, old dresser drawers - you can get really creative!

 

awe she is adorable!!

 

Quote:Both excellent points. Having a 3" lip on the front not only keeps bedding in, but eggs as well.