Hen laying eggs in the forest/broody?/How to discourage this behaviour?

[Joneseashley]

Hello everyone!

Our loved Roman tends to disappear when free-ranging. I’ve caught on to the fact that she goes off to lay an egg and have found eggs in various spots on the property. Admittedly she is my favourite lady who loves a good cuddle and a snooze on the porch and fear she will get snatched by a predator when she veers off from the main group. Is there a way to discourage this behaviour?

Also, in my recent discovery she has a nest with 9 eggs in it. Is she prepping to sit on them and perhaps broody?

Thank you so much for your input!

-Ashley

 

[BlueBaby]

Yes, there is a way. Don't let her free-range.

 

[aart]

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.