We have a large (2'x4') community nest box on the floor of the coop. 3 of 16 hens like to lay in there, -it is dark and private.
Earlier this winter, we had a problem with a white leghorn pullet laying her eggs off the roost at night, resulting in broken, frozen, or at least dirty eggs. We put a nest box up on the poop boards in hopes she would use it if she had the need to lay an egg at night. It seems to have worked, - she uses this "poop board box", and while it could be coincidence, the night laying stopped.
The problem: 12 other hens INSIST on using this single box, and that box ONLY. There are fights every day, sometimes with blood drawn.
I am thinking about taking the poop-board box away entirely, or at least setting it on the floor by the community box.
My question: If I suddenly take this box away, am I setting myself up for chaos (eggs laid all over the floor, poop boards, etc) ? As a first attempt at a solution, I did try putting a similar single box, elevated about a foot off the floor, over next to the community box, and no one will use it. I put wooden eggs in it, and they do get in it and check it out, but when it is time to lay, they head up onto the poop board to fight with whatever hen happens to be in that box. It is rare that 2 hens peacefully share the space. Should I take it away?
I appreciate any advice!
Earlier this winter, we had a problem with a white leghorn pullet laying her eggs off the roost at night, resulting in broken, frozen, or at least dirty eggs. We put a nest box up on the poop boards in hopes she would use it if she had the need to lay an egg at night. It seems to have worked, - she uses this "poop board box", and while it could be coincidence, the night laying stopped.
The problem: 12 other hens INSIST on using this single box, and that box ONLY. There are fights every day, sometimes with blood drawn.

My question: If I suddenly take this box away, am I setting myself up for chaos (eggs laid all over the floor, poop boards, etc) ? As a first attempt at a solution, I did try putting a similar single box, elevated about a foot off the floor, over next to the community box, and no one will use it. I put wooden eggs in it, and they do get in it and check it out, but when it is time to lay, they head up onto the poop board to fight with whatever hen happens to be in that box. It is rare that 2 hens peacefully share the space. Should I take it away?
I appreciate any advice!