Finding Eggs Randomly on the Ground

hollandhens24

Songster
Jul 26, 2024
92
78
101
Idaho
I have found multiple eggs from one particular hen (age 3) on the ground in random places. One was in my yard, another just outside the coop door. This has never been an issue before. Nothing has changed in their environment except the grain being harvested in the fields around my house, but I cannot think of a single reason this would impact her laying. Why would this be happening?
 
Could she be getting pushed out of her preferred nest box? Have you added any new pullets this year?
She could be, but my understanding is that my hen's preferred box seems to change daily between two different options depending on where they think someone else wants to be. 4 boxes to choose from, two are favorites. Basically, if someone is already in a box that becomes "the chosen one" for the day. I have 5 laying hens, 3 pullets who are just starting to lay, and 2 little pullets who are only 3 months. All the pullets have lived in the coop from about 6 weeks old, so no *super* new introductions.
 
Are the nest boxes hot? It’s hard to have both coziness and fresh air when it’s mercilessly hot and humid. 🥵
I hadn't considered this as a factor! I am inclined to say no-- my coop is slightly cooler than outside. Concrete floor that stays cool, under a giant shade tree, and really great ventilation. It also hasn't been super scorching to where the hens all want to hide out 24/7. The locations that I have found them in are also very random in the sense that she wouldn't likely be "nesting" there. The image that I have in my head is literally that the girl is just walking along and doesn't realize an egg just fell out of her.
 

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