Brown leghorns

[PerfectPoultry]

I have three brown leghorn hens. Got them when they were molting, each laid one egg, then they stopped and haven't laid an egg for at least 2-3 months. Today I locked one in a nesting box and she laid one...? Then I trapped another and she did... Why would they only do it if they're forced?

 

[Bullitt]

Are you sure the hens aren't laying their eggs somewhere that you don't know about? Do you let them free range? Maybe they are laying their eggs in a secret spot.

 

[PerfectPoultry]

No, they do free-range, but I'm out there keeping a close eye. I know for sure they aren't.

 

[donrae]

Well there's no way trapping them in a nesting box forced them to lay. I'd say confine them all for a day or so and I'll bet you're getting eggs.

 

[sourland]

Well there's no way trapping them in a nesting box forced them to lay. I'd say confine them all for a day or so and I'll bet you're getting eggs.

At best the trapping in the nest box was coincidental to the 'start' of egg laying. I'm not a betting man, but I'll bet there is a hidden nest someplace.

 

[PerfectPoultry]

In a small run where would they lay them? They don't sit down anywhere... I'll just have to see if someone lays another egg today.