Too small of nest boxes?

[Kazedwards]

My hens finally started laying last Sunday!

So I thought it was time to rebuild the nest boxes although the seem to like nesting under them. Earlier this week I took the old ones out and disassembled them. I decided the build them in place. Both the top and bottom are community boxes with only a 2x4 separating them. The 2x4 was mainly to cover gap between them. I can always divide them easily if needed. I also lowered them by quite a bit. I also used a 2x3 for a small bar for the top ones. I used the 2” side up hoping that it will be uncomfortable for them to roost on bc it is a bit higher than the roost bar.
This is Goldie helping. Every time I’m working on the coop she tries to be in my lap. I’m also pretty sure she was the first to lay of my 8.

This was right as I finished. They both hung out in the lower boxes as I did the top.

These are the almost finished boxes.

The only thing left is to put a roof on the top boxes and block off the bottom area. I went back out to check on them about an hour later and found 2 eggs. One right where Goldie is and the other in the middle of the coop. They did appear to have tried nesting in 3 of the boxes. Knocked one of the golf balls out too. Hopefully they will get the hang of it in the next couple days.

 

[Bound to Sea]

A better option would be to make a single community box, or 2 community boxes if you have adequate height to make them at least 14" tall.

I made a community box too. Put in on the outside! More room for my Cochin.View attachment 1482694View attachment 1482694

 

[Bound to Sea]

I made a community box too. Put in on the outside! More room for my Cochin.View attachment 1482694View attachment 1482694

 

[Peppercorngal]

How eggciting! You are finally getting eggs! I'm sharing the happiness! Just wait a bit, the chickens will all "claim" a nest box and if they can't have it that minute they will wait and cluck and wait and cluck until the other hen leaves her egg and goes on her way. I have a barred rock that HAS to lay in the bottom left box, she just HAS to have that box. She will wait and wait and talk and wait until it's available! I usually find 3 eggs in that box!