hen laying problem

[mulelover1999]

Ok so my hen is about 1 and a half years old. She recently started laying againg after raising a store bought chick for about a month. Now she will only lay when she has been locked up all day and all night. What should I do?

 

[Gino1126]

Sounds to me like she has a nest somewhere else and the only reason you're getting an egg when locked up is because she has no choice but to lay in the henhouse.

 

[mulelover1999]

Ok so what should I do to fix this?

 

[donrae]

Chickens are creatures of habit. If you keep her confined for 3-4 days she should become used to laying in the coop again.
Or, you can hunt for where her hidden nest is and just collect eggs from that.

 

[mulelover1999]

Ok ill try that she still has her chick with her could that be a problem? Her chick is about 1-2 months but starting to become somewhat independant. She doesn't have a problem leaving the chick.

 

[mulelover1999]

We have roosters so do you think its possible that she is laying elsewhere and getting ready to brood?

 

[mulelover1999]

Anyone???

 

[donrae]

It really doesn't matter if you have a rooster or not, or if she's getting ready to go broody or not. Chickens like to lay in secluded places, and if she's used to laying in a different spot you'll have to confine her to get her back in the habit of laying where you want.

 

[mulelover1999]

Well she laid in her nesting box

 

[sourland]

We have roosters so do you think its possible that she is laying elsewhere and getting ready to brood?

I think that is what they are trying to tell you. Keep her locked up until late morning. Watch where she goes when you let her out. She should lead you right to her nest.