Hens won't use the next box. Please help...

[mama k]

We have 11 chickens we bought as hatchlings right before Easter and are not laying yet (obviously). Last Friday, some friends of a friend gave us their 2 laying hens, as they're moving to another state. We've had 7 eggs since Friday, so THAT'S nice, but they won't lay in the nest box!

What we had at first (just a basket with pine shavings) was a definife fail, as it dumped over easily. The chickens laid one egg on the floor of the coop, and I found 3 more in the bushes. Last night we made a a new nest box out of a bucket with pine shavings and soft cut dried grass on top. We put two plastic eggs in there as well. A bit ago I noticed one of the new chickens nesting in the corner of the yard, and when she got up, there were 3 eggs under her. Ahh!

How do I get them to use the nest box in the coop?

Some pics:

Our nest box:

Where they actually lay:

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They're creatures of habit and your next box probably doesn't look like the one they're used to so they're finding their own place. The fake eggs are a good idea. Perhaps if you keep them locked up till after they lay during the day and at least they won't lay in the bushes and may eventually warm up to your bucket.

 

[LadyBroody]

I normally put them in the nesting box and hold them there for a while, and when I find an egg in a place where I don't want them to lay, I put the eggs in the nesting box. After a while they should get the idea. This is just my experience. Sounds like you have a lovely flock!