[janeheritage]

Thanks all for your advice. We tried a piece of cardboard over the box, removed later, but although it worked when there it didn't seem to get them in the habit. Last night Steve tried without the cardboard and all 4 girls snuggled into the nest box together. Cozy! 

So today we have accepted that if the nest box is higher than the perches they'll prefer it, and Steve has fitted them a new perch above their old ones and above the level of the nest box. P&T Poultry (from whom we bought our coop) take note! And if you're thinking of buying a chicken house, make sure the nest box is LOWER than one of the perches.

Let's hope the new higher perch works...

[staffschicks]

I have 6  hens wih 2 nest boxes a couple sleep in one and they all queue to lay in the other.  whenIi tried raising the hieght of the perches they all slept in the nest boxes.  i suspect they snuggle up for warmth as they sleep in the one furthest from the coop door.  i am going to try blocking it off when it warms up.