Chickens don't like nesting boxes?

[horsepowerhaven]

So I built a nice new coop for my 9 adult chickens with 5 nesting boxes. I allow the chickens to free range during the day and they frequently find a hiding spot to lay their eggs rather than use the coop nesting boxes. Between bales of hay is their favorite.
Is there anyway I can make the nesting boxes more inviting for the hens? When they do lay in the coop they fight over the same nesting box but the choice of box can change from day to day.
I don't want to lose eggs because I can't find them.

 

[kla37]

Probably better to keep them in their coop for a few days with fake eggs in each box so they get into a habit of laying in them. I only have 3 nest boxes for our 8 hens, and they invariably all want to use the same one. A second one gets used occasionally, and a third has never been used. Can you at least keep them in their coop and run for a few days? Might help!

 

[ScotianChick]

Mine started doing that so I put curtains in their nest boxes and for the first few days of having those I kept them in the coop a few hours after dawn instead of letting them out first thing. They are probably seeking more privacy. Though mine have recently started fighting over nesting boxes and sitting on each other too.

 

[mkwags]

I have 7 layers and they ALL like the same box! They just take turns like ladies waiting in line at a public restroom! I agree with the above posts of keeping them in the coop with no choice to lay but in the boxes. Chickens can really have attitudes and personalities. Just coach them and they'll get it.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Stop the "free ranging" for awhile. Let them live close for a while, and they will figure out what the nest boxes are for.

 

[horsepowerhaven]

Ok so I should clarify that the coop is not that new. I've had it for a couple months and kept the chickens in it for two weeks straight before letting them free range so that they would accept it as their new home. When it was really cold last week I kept them in all day as well.
They still seem to want to find a better spot for their eggs. It is random. Some days eggs are in the coop and others there are no eggs and I find them hidden in the hay. I have wood chips and DE for the bedding on the floor of the coop and hay in the nesting boxes.
I'll find my plastic Easter eggs and leave those in the nesting boxes to see if that helps.
Thanks for the suggestions!