Why you only need one nest box

[Mildly Cranky]

 

[N F C]

That looks about right (according to how my girls would use boxes).

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yup! If one hen finds a nest box attractive, others will like it for the same reasons and it becomes Prime Real Estate!

 

[Callender Girl]

Same here. Sometimes, eggs get broken when two or three girls decide to sit atop each other instead of moving to the adjacent and (in my eyes) identical nest box.

 

[BDutch]

There's an explanation for this. Hens work together to build a nest. Their goal is to maintain the flock. Not that you eat their offspring.

If there are enough eggs, a normal* hen will go broody and wants to hatch a clutch off eggs. It's more convenient if the eggs aren't scattered around.

If I want a hen to go broody, I place 5 fake eggs in a nest (in the spring). If I want a hen to go broody. I only have to wait a few days to a week for a broody hen.

*A hen that hasn't been bred into an egg-laying machine, meaning she no longer goes broody.

PS My Dutch bantams are descendents of an old breed. They have skills to maintain / expand the flock and live long and healthy lives.