Chicken not laying in nest box

[chickenjones]

Is it unusual for a chicken to just suddenly start laying somewhere else? She is an older hen and we could not figure out where she has been going during the day. Well my hubby caught her coming out from under the shed and he found 10 eggs! Turns out she's been sitting on them during the day- morning till late afternoon. Then she comes out hangs out with the hens and roosts with everyone else. She has always been a little odd

It was my understanding that when a hen was on a nest they stayed there almost around the clock. Can you tell I am fairly new to this?

So my hubby took all the eggs from under the shed and covered it up so she can't go back under there. I don't know why she stopped laying in the coop. I guess she went broody (well half broody anyway) but do you think she will just go find another spot? I guess time will tell. Just wanted everyone's thoughts.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Mine have been useing the nest boxes for years, & suddenly 2 weeks ago I found 6 in a dirt nest in the corner. I collected them & put a bucket in the corner, & they're back to the nest boxes. Go figure!

 

[SewingDiva]

We had all 9 using one nest box even though there were three available. I took out one box and then they got with the program, however, one of them still just lays on the floor of the coop occasionally. Beats me !