Eggs on the floor, not in nests

[cowboygordy]

Last time I started some chicks, they grew up took to laying eggs in the nest boxes right away. This new group of 12 have started laying, but only a couple have figured out what the next boxes are for and the rest are laying eggs all over the floor.
How can I "teach" them to jump into the nests to lay?

 

[Chemguy]

I had some success with placing golf balls in the nest boxes, then placing a hen into the nest box. It helped if one of the other boxes was already occupied. Note that I did say "some" success. Ultimately, I introduced another nest near the location where most of the eggs were being laid. I still have a couple who like that one the best. Good luck!

 

[johncv]

you say they need to jump up to the nest box that could be a problem. build/place a nest box on the floor and put they hay in the box that should get their attention. my chickens were free range when i first brought them home til i could finish building the coop. they would lay ALL OVER our woods it was an easter egg hunt every day. when i finished my coop i put everyone in there my hens went right to the nest boxes and laid. i have my boxes built on the floor so every hen has access to them.

 

[Chick Whisperer]

Are you sure you don't have mites in there? also make sure you keep the nest box nice and clean! have you seen those rubber eggs you can use them to lure the chickens in to indicate that it is the right place to lay the egg. let us now how you get on