Hen that doesn't know where to lay...

[Chirpchirp19]

I have a BC Maran that just started laying, I have 6 and I am not sure which one it is as all of them are laying except one or two. This mystery layer ALWAYS lays on the ground in the open area that we are planning on turning into their run off the barn. I have tried leaving everyone in the coop longer but at the end of the day the egg is still there on the ground. I never see any go into that area either when I am out there. I have been stalking the chickens trying to figure out who it is. Any ideas? I have also been leaving eggs in the boxes longer to try hinting at this hen to lay there, but nothing. It's not truly a large deal but I don't want an animal to get used to having breakfast there if someone forget to get the egg...AKA my husband.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You can use golf balls or ceramic/wooden eggs in the nests. Then keep the chickens locked up till noon and they all develop the habit of laying in the nest.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you don't already use fake eggs, I'd get some to "give her a hint" (golf balls are an easy substitute).

If you really want to figure out which bird it is, you can either try dyeing their vents (dab of food coloring, even a smear of lipstick) and then match the wayward egg with the chicken with matching color, or just be a really determined stalker and continuously check the spot that's being used (which can be tough as some birds lay fast and then jet). I'll actually watch birds as they lay so I can match egg to bird but apparently I have nothing better to do...

 

[aart]

Fake eggs in every nest....and keep them confined most of the day for a week(hopefully your coop is big enough).
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.