Desperate hen

[KristyB]

I have a hen that is just starting to lay eggs. Only, she doesn’t want to lay in the nesting boxes I have set up. I usually let my hens roam in my backyard but this hen found her way into my front yard despite it being completely fenced in. She found a nice spot out front and now desperately wants to get out. I’ve added extra hay to the nesting boxes, added ceramic eggs, feeding her organic feed for egg laying hens plus oyster shells, probiotics in her water plus she gets the occasional snack. My other hens that have started laying eggs are perfectly happy with the nesting box. I’ve locked them all in their pen trying to encourage her to go in the nesting box but she jumps around trying to get out and I’m afraid she’s going to hurt herself. What do I do?

I’m in suburbia so it’s not safe for her to be in my front yard.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Wait her out. Some just get a goofy idea in their head about where they are going to lay. Eventually she will give up and look elsewhere, hopefully your nestboxes.

 

[KristyB]

Wait her out. Some just get a goofy idea in their head about where they are going to lay. Eventually she will give up and look elsewhere, hopefully your nestboxes.

Should I just keep them all locked up in the pen?

 

[SueT]

I agree --wait her out. I don't let any hens out to range until I'm fairly sure all eggs have been laid for the day. And some days that means no one goes out at all.
Perhaps the others won't let her lay in their favorite box(es)? Add another box, mine currently seem to like plastic milk crates.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Should I just keep them all locked up in the pen?

I would, util she gives in. Otherwise you can let the rest out and leave her in until she lays.

 

[aart]

I'd leave them all locked in.
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.

Hopefully your coop and run(?) are of good size to avoid any crowding stress.
Dimensions and pics of your coop(inside and out) might help us help you.
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