Best layer won't lay eggs in the nesting box?

[wileshobbyfarm]

Looking to find some answers as to why my best layer (a Light Brahma, 2 year old) is suddenly seeking other places to lay her eggs. We found one in a rock pile, 4 in the barn in a flower pot, and who knows where else she's "hidden" them. I'm trying to understand her behavior and wondering how I might correct it.

She is the dominant hen of my flock and always has been. Even when coyotes and hawks have attacked she has always survived. I've had her the longest. Perhaps introducing new young hens ( just now laying for the first time) is discouraging her from using the nesting boxes? I have 6 boxes and 6 hens. Any ideas? Thanks so much for your insights!

 

[sumi]

She may be thinking about going broody. I had a hen who laid in the nest boxes quite happily, until she got broody ideas. I collected the eggs daily, so she went and hid her eggs in the garden, laid a clutch and hatched all 12 of them. Put a fake egg or two, or a gold ball in one of the nest boxes and see if that helps with your hen?

 

[wileshobbyfarm]

Thank you. I will do just that!