What it really means when I say "chicken" math, is that chickens can't do math.
I don't know if this will help but you may can take a straight bladed spade and dig out a strip of well sodded turf from your yard, a smidgen larger than the bottom of the nest box. Turn this turf carpet grass side down in the nest bottom (dirt side up) and add a little hay or straw.
Hens are uninterested and unawares of our breakfast habits. They only lay eggs in anticipation of raising a new generation of baby chicks. Therefor hens chose nests that they think will be the most conducive to incubating eggs. As many of you have no doubt found out when a hen steals her nest away she most often selects a location that is sitting flat on the ground. Almost all birds who lay large clutches of eggs before incubation begins make their nests and lay their eggs on the ground as well. The cool damp earth helps the first laid eggs to remain viable until the last egg is laid.
Do one or two of your most neglected nests like this and see if their rate of use rises.
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