Hen laying egg in run!!!

[SteveMadonnaJ]

While cleaning and working around the coop and run yesterday, I noticed an egg lying on the ground in one corner of the run. I know the coop is a little small (4x4), but have 3 nesting boxes which should be enough for the 7 hens I have. The run itself is 10x10. My question is, why would one of the hen's lay an egg in the run?

 

[GC-Raptor]

While cleaning and working around the coop and run yesterday, I noticed an egg lying on the ground in one corner of the run. I know the coop is a little small (4x4), but have 3 nesting boxes which should be enough for the 7 hens I have. The run itself is 10x10. My question is, why would one of the hen's lay an egg in the run?

If they are young pullets, they are still learning the egg laying process. If they're older, emotions such as fright or excitement can trigger them to lay. I was petting a hen in the run when locking up the coop for the night and she laid an egg right then and there, WOW. GC

 

[aart]

Agrees, young layers often drop eggs in places other than the nests.
It can take up to a month or so for things to smooth out.
Older ones can on occasion too.
How old are your birds and how long have they been laying?

Tho 3 nests are great for 7 birds, 4x4 is way tight and crowding stress can have an effect on laying habits.

 

[FlyWheel]

Muffins, my first EE pullet to start laying did that for almost a week before instinct kicked in. Now she lays her eggs in whatever nesting box is available, just like all the other hens.

Now if she is an experienced hen she may just be choosing to nest somewhere that she thinks you may not collect them. Does she always lay in the same spot of the run or is she showing any signs of broodiness?

 

[SteveMadonnaJ]

Now if she is an experienced hen she may just be choosing to nest somewhere that she thinks you may not collect them. Does she always lay in the same spot of the run or is she showing any signs of broodiness?

FlyWheel ...... sorry for taking so long in getting back to you.

It was only by chance that I saw the egg in the corner, and it happened that only time. Ever since the hens have laid the eggs in the nesting boxes.

 

[annabelle08]

I have one hen that regularly lays on top of the nest boxes outside of coop. Sometimes I find one on top or mostly on the ground beneath having rolled off the box top. luckily I have mulch in their run to soften the drop.