Dumb question from a Newbie

[rosecjr]

I have an Ameraucana that I absolutely love. We've had her since October and got her as an adult. She started laying about a month ago consistently. Here's my dumb question. My hens are free range, and she has a nest where she's laying somewhere that I can't find. Is there any hints or clues (other than stalking her) to help me find it? She's notorious for this, as I got her from a good friend, and she did this to them as well. TIA!

 

[paddyg84]

Perhaps enclose a run for a week and add some fake eggs to your nest box and see if she catches on.

 

[rosecjr]

I should have included, I have 5 other laying hens that all lay in the nesting boxes.....if this makes a difference.

 

[Ridgerunner]

That can be challenging. When we talk about a hen hiding a net, we really mean they try to hide it, including when someone is watching them enter or leave.

I agree with locking all of them in the coop/run for a week to try to change her habits. It’s worked for me but I’ve occasionally had to do it for more than one week. Some hens are just more stubborn than others.

To help you find the nest, when she wants to lay an egg, she will probably pace the fence, looking for a way out. It’s pretty obvious when you see her doing this. You might try letting her get fairly desperate and then see where she goes when you let her out. Try to stay in the background where she doesn’t see you watching her. Even then, they can be sneaky.

Good luck.