In the middle of nowhere

[Ascholten]

Today I went to check the girls after I come home from my stuff and find an egg, just sitting in the middle of the pen. It didn't drop from the laying box it'd probably break if it did, not to mention there's about a 3 inch ledge they'd have to get it over to get it out there. It's just in the middle of the mud in the run, not pecked, not broke, nothing wrong that I can see with it.

What would cause one to just dump an egg in the middle of everything? I can't imagine they just fall out...
Nothing frightened tham that I know of since the other 3 laid in the box. Maybe all 4 had to lay and they didn't let her in, I dunno.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Aaron

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I don't know what causes it but it happens from time to time.

 

[Mrs. K]

I have found them there too. Not often, but once in a while. They get notions.

 

[3KillerBs]

I actually have had eggs get launched over the lip of the nest and land in the deep litter unharmed. I can tell they were kicked out because they were surrounded by a dusting of nestbox shavings.

But sometimes one of the ladies drops one in an odd place. I guess she couldn't hold it waiting for the best next box (not that there aren't 5 other boxes and two ground nests available).

 

[Ascholten]

Hmm, interesting. and yah, there are plenty of places to nest and they ALL want to fight over the ONE box. Wimmin,,, what ya gonna do with em?

Aaron