Eggs in the run

[e72071]

We have 14 hens of laying age and they are all laying in nesting boxes. I also have 3 polish and 2 Cochins that are about 5 months old. I have 2 Broodies that we are trying to break of it. Suddenly today we found 2 eggs in the run, not even in the coop on the floor (that's where the other girls started laying until they figured it out).

Here's my question. Why am I suddenly getting eggs in the run? Could it be the 5 month olds? Could it be because the broody is hogging up one of the boxes? Could something be wrong with one of my girls?

It may not be anything to be concerned about but it was pretty random.

 

[rjohns39]

We have 14 hens of laying age and they are all laying in nesting boxes. I also have 3 polish and 2 Cochins that are about 5 months old. I have 2 Broodies that we are trying to break of it. Suddenly today we found 2 eggs in the run, not even in the coop on the floor (that's where the other girls started laying until they figured it out).

Here's my question. Why am I suddenly getting eggs in the run? Could it be the 5 month olds? Could it be because the broody is hogging up one of the boxes? Could something be wrong with one of my girls?

It may not be anything to be concerned about but it was pretty random.

Can I answer all of the above? It's likely you have new layers who don't feel like they can use the box.

 

[e72071]

Can I answer all of the above? It's likely you have new layers who don't feel like they can use the box.

I was thinking that too but everything I've read about the polish and Cochin breeds they tend to start laying around 8+ months old. Not all the time but more typically mine are only 5 months. Maybe I have over achievers? Lol

 

[aart]

Why am I suddenly getting eggs in the run? Could it be the 5 month olds? Could it be because the broody is hogging up one of the boxes?

Could be either or both.
Pullet eggs should be pretty recognizable.
I get eggs in the run once in while, traffic jams, arguments, who knows<shrugs>
How many nests for how many birds?
Are you going to let the broody hatch, maybe put her behind some wire in coop??

 

[K.Riggs]

I had one egg in the run the other day, never before and not since.. So weird

 

[e72071]

Could be either or both.
Pullet eggs should be pretty recognizable.
I get eggs in the run once in while, traffic jams, arguments, who knows<shrugs>
How many nests for how many birds?
Are you going to let the broody hatch, maybe put her behind some wire in coop??

The broody isn't going to be hatching. We are building a box this weekend for any broody culprits. We have 6 boxes for 19 hens.

 

[aart]

The broody isn't going to be hatching. We are building a box this weekend for any broody culprits. We have 6 boxes for 19 hens.

Sounds like plenty of nests.

8x8 is a bit tight for 19 birds...could get worse when winter settles in.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/almost-ready.1164997/
Did you put some front lips on those nests?

Could be crowding chaos.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pecking-problem-and-need-help.1166278/
Did you get rid of the males?

So you're going to break her broodiness?
You may have already researched broody breakers, but let me suggest this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rates-a-good-tool-for-every-chickeneer.72619/

 

[e72071]

The coop is about 8x8 maybe a little bigger. Our run is 24x24. We plan on covering part of the run so the can go out and hopefully don't have to deal with the elements as much.

As for the males, yes we rejoined them.

And the broody, we have done some research and have an idea on how we are going to build that as well.

We have our work cut out for us but we've been trying to get our research done too so we can be prepared for winter.