Make your nest boxes removable from the wall so you can move the whole box to another location when it comes hatch time or to the floor after the chicks hatch. I just put two holes larger than a screw head in the back of each box and left the screws long enough to hang the boxes on. Had to put a small board behind the bottom of the box so it didn't swing in the wind and it works wonderfully for my birds. They go broody in a box, I move it to the floor as soon as the first chick hatches. Since she isn't going to leave the rest of the eggs, she sits where ever I put her.Sorry to hear hear of everyones troubles this weekend. My friend who lost her entire flock to a fox 2 weeks ago (2 weeks from laying age) lost a chick this weekend and had another one act sick. So far the second one seems to be pulling through and the other 4 are doing good.
I am FINALLY making some headway on the new coop! It has doors! I did dutch doors so I can peek in with out having them try to escape on me. Nesting box is going in this weekend! I was thinking of making it "broody friendly" if anyone has any tips on a different feature so I can keep the broody with the flock (I'm banking on my buff orpington to go broody). Size, elevation from bedding etc.