New layers ignoring nest boxes

[JokinOkie]

During the recent cold snap here in Seattle, two of my Ameracauna pullets have come of age and started laying. My star layer stopped laying when the days grew short in Autumn, and so the newbies have never seen a hen using the next boxes. So they've chosen a spot on the far side of the coop under the roosts--probably the least convenient spot for egg-collecting.

I've put a golf ball in the box, but they're not taking the hint. How can I correct this behavior before it becomes an unbreakable habit for these birds?

 

[JennsPeeps]

I'd try putting a box or dish pan where they're laying. Get them to lay in that and then start moving the box a few inches a day toward the real nesting boxes. Eventually you'll have them where you want them!