I just recently built a long nesting box, and have found that my girls will nest in ANYTHING with bedding in it. LOL. I have put a cardboard box inside their roosting area and they nest in it. The box was a temporary fix but they liked it. I have three game hens and they aren't very good nesters they will lay anywhere with bedding but they don't make a nice hole in the bedding. I have a buff that really works hard to make her area comfortable then they all use it. LOL I added some other areas trying to give them more of a choice but they still love to lay in her nest. I think they just like it.

CI

Usually they seek out a box or container to make their deposit, some just will not play by the rules. I usually keep a golf ball or 2 in the bucket or cardboard nest boxes and I think it helps the pullets get the idea. I use mostly 5 gal. pails 1/2 full of shavings, the hens can cover the hatching eggs nicely and the chicks cant get out before I toe punch or otherwise identify each set.

I'd place it near the food and water, as hens always eat and drink after laying an egg. I have my nests curtained with a layer of black landscaping cloth with a split up the middle. It provides the darkness they love but lets air in, too. Hens do so love their hidey-holes! :) I have other weirdo hens that insist in nesting in some REALLY strange places, so don't be surprised if some of them refuse the nest boxes and instead deposit eggs in your potting shed or something. Right now mine have taken over a half-completed rabbit hutch DH is building. It's become a very trendy spot to lay eggs...

Velvet ~:>