Any tips for finding hidden nest?

[Perris]

since one of my girls went broody and took over the favorite nesting box, two of the others started laying elsewhere. One's nest I found, but I cannot locate the other's. They free range in about 2/3rd acre, about 50% of which is shrubs/trees/woodland. I've been looking on and off for 3 days now. Any tips on what sort of habitat to focus my search efforts on would be much appreciated. And/or tips on how to get them to use the other nesting box in the coop again!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Sit and watch them. When they emerge to eat and drink, follow them back to the hiding spot.

 

[Perris]

I tried that when I had opportunity. Watched for 2 1/2 hours after letting them out in the morning, and all they did was forage. So I figure she's laying in the afternoon at the mo. She is a SFH and very well camouflaged, which doesn't help.

 

[The Phantom]

Sit and watch them. When they emerge to eat and drink, follow them back to the hiding spot.

x10!! It took me a while to figure out that my girls were laying in a tree nest!

 

[mixedbreeds]

Is it hot at your location? I know with temps hitting around 100 degrees some of my girls are not wanting to sit in the hot nest boxes and nesting in secret locations found 2 nests in a couple of cooler areas last night. I put up a couple mor fans and covered up there secret spots with some old wood.

 

[Perris]

yes it is hot @mixedbreeds , relatively speaking (mid to high 20s C), but the coop stays cool, and the broody spends almost all day in there without issue. It had not occurred to me to look *in* the trees - thanks @The Phantom!

 

[The Phantom]

yes it is hot @mixedbreeds , relatively speaking (mid to high 20s C), but the coop stays cool, and the broody spends almost all day in there without issue. It had not occurred to me to look *in* the trees - thanks @The Phantom!

Lol. It was just one of those trees that had a little dip and a cozy spot!

 

[Perris]

another hour following her without revelation...I suppose she must return to early morning laying sooner or later... but how to get them laying in the coop again? Is confinement the only option? And if so, I guess I shouldn't do that while the broody's in there...? (I don't have a spare coop to move the broody into.)

 

[aart]

but how to get them laying in the coop again?

Don't let them out tomorrow...and for a few days after.
Put a fake egg(s) in the other nest(s).
Hopefully your coop (and run?) is big enough to confine them for several days.

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

 

[Stepnout]

Can you make a spare nest box from a molkcrate? Maybe elevate it off the floor with bricks. Put lots of nice bedding material in it, cover the top and sides to make it cozy.
I’m ne to chickens and haven’t my first egg yet but this makes sense to me.