I would think for 6 hens, you wouldn't need more than two boxes, but they need to be attractive to the chickens. They like their nesting places to be fairly dark. The milk crate boxes are great if they are elevated off the floor and have plenty of cushonging on the bottom with hay and shredded pine.

Put a few golf balls in each to show them what the boxes are for and you shouldn't have a problem. If you need to darken them, you can just tape cardboard on the three sides that aren't open.

I agree, two would work but I'm sure if you want to make three they will use them! They don't need to be very large, 14 x 14 is fine. I get the impression that they like to feel confined when they're nesting. On the open side you should put something like a strip of lathe to hold the bedding in the box, and if they would otherwise be light, you might hang a curtain across the front to help keep it dark, leaving a bit of an opening so they'll get curious and go in.

And don't be surprised if all six want to lay in one box, two at a time! The flock mentality definitely leads them to follow-the-leader!

--Johanna

I wonder if there is a minimum size by breed. for instance I have the same question for cochnins and weyondettes

I built a 6 compartment nest box(3 top and 3 bottom). My queston is how high should I mount it off the floor?

Mine are about 2 1/2 feet off the ground. Chickens can jump quite high, I have seen them jump 6' or more. My hens use the nests on the bottom the most.