Nesting Boxes

[racefanz]

I have 3 one year old hens as well as 5 19-20 week old hens. We made 4 boxes for them to lay their eggs in. They are quite tall compared to some of the pictures I have seen posted here. Does anyone think that makes a difference. I have 2 of the older hens and at least 1 of the "babies" (although I suspect another is laying) laying in the same box right now. I would really like them to take advantage of the other boxes. That is why I am wondering if we make them smaller maybe they would be more apt to use them. They all sleep on top of the boxes (I'll post pics so you understand how it is set up) there are 2 different places they are located in the coop. I found a soft egg on 1 of them today and a few days ago I found 2 soft shells, broken, on the same area where the "babies" sleep. Any suggestions?

 

[cmom]

Mine do that too. For some reason they seem to prefer certain nest boxes.