Stubborn Hen Won't Use Nesting Boxes

[aart]

Is she low bird in pecking order...she may be so submissive that she won't assert her right to use the nests?
Do yo have a decent enough sized coop and run to confine them for a few days....and be around to observe flock dynamics?

I've had a bird with vision issues(heat stroke) was pretty easy to tell by holding her and bringing my hand in on either side of her head. On one side she pulled head back, the other she didn't react until hand went into range of other eye, then she startled big time.
Can also test pupil dilation with a flash light in a dim room.

 

[lazy gardener]

I had one gal like that. I tried everything. She'd lay in one corner. I'd block that corner with plywood. She'd then lay in the other corner, I'd block that corner. I put garlic scapes in all of the corners, thinking that the noxious smell would deter her. Nothing worked. One day, she was doing her corner thing, and I knew that an egg was imminent. I scooped her up, and tossed her in the nest box. Of course she freaked. I persisted, blocked entrance with my hands. Didn't let her out. She eventually settled, and laid her egg there. Problem solved.