Is there a psychologist in the Hen House?

[One Lucky Momma]

This morning when I checked on the flock, everyone was already out of the coop except for one of the Partridge Rocks, who was settled in a nesting box. I was there to scrape roosts and stir bedding, but I thought under the circumstances I should leave, so I said,"Pardon me", and quietly backed out.

A bit later (minutes) I noticed she had rejoined the group. You can imagine how excited I was, anticipating that ultimate delicacy, an egg so fresh it's still warm.

Wrong! Nothing, except for the wooden bait egg, literally an empty nest.

Why do they do this? Did I disturb her to the point of causing her to change her mind? Can they do that? Or was she afraid she might miss a little tidbit I just might have brought to share?

Even two hours later, no egg. So maybe she was just resting? FYI, the girls are about 6 months now and some have been laying for a few weeks. Based on egg ID and frequency, I believe all three of the PR are laying at least every other day. They weren't given access to the nesting boxes until 20 weeks and don't roost in them.

 

[CHlCKEN]

This morning when I checked on the flock, everyone was already out of the coop except for one of the Partridge Rocks, who was settled in a nesting box. I was there to scrape roosts and stir bedding, but I thought under the circumstances I should leave, so I said,"Pardon me", and quietly backed out.

A bit later (minutes) I noticed she had rejoined the group. You can imagine how excited I was, anticipating that ultimate delicacy, an egg so fresh it's still warm.

Wrong! Nothing, except for the wooden bait egg, literally an empty nest.

Why do they do this? Did I disturb her to the point of causing her to change her mind? Can they do that? Or was she afraid she might miss a little tidbit I just might have brought to share?

Even two hours later, no egg. So maybe she was just resting? FYI, the girls are about 6 months now and some have been laying for a few weeks. Based on egg ID and frequency, I believe all three of the PR are laying at least every other day. They weren't given access to the nesting boxes until 20 weeks and don't roost in them.

That’s pretty normal for hens. When you open the lid to the nesting boxes or walk into the coop, you may disturb them to a point that they do not feel safe enough to lay, however it is normal for a hen especially a new layer to sit in the nest box but not actually lay an egg- at least in my experience. Getting used to the routine or maybe just not ready to lay at the moment

If she’s acting lethargic, not moving around a ton and not eating or Drinking she may be egg bound- there are easy ways to treat this and not so easy ones depending on how successful you are. It’s common with new layers and if treated properly, you can save the bird. Since you made no mentions of any other symptoms I doubt this is it however birds are very good at hiding their illnesses

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

Practicing...

 

[chickenlittle21]

Some hens will sit in the nesting box a few days before they start laying

 

[One Lucky Momma]

Thanks very much for your thoughts. She acts, eats, drinks all fine, so I am willing to chalk it up to practice. Next time I'll try to be more discreet in my intrusions!

 

[Sally PB]

My chickens have been laying for about two months. I have found that if I do anything to disturb the group when one of them is sitting, it can disrupt the rhythm of the day. Eggs delayed, sometimes by a couple hours. Rarely, one laid outside of the nesting box. So before I go in to scoop poop or give out treats, I count beaks.

 

[One Lucky Momma]

My chickens have been laying for about two months. I have found that if I do anything to disturb the group when one of them is sitting, it can disrupt the rhythm of the day. Eggs delayed, sometimes by a couple hours. Rarely, one laid outside of the nesting box. So before I go in to scoop poop or give out treats, I count beaks.

Sally, thanks very much. You’re right, there is definitely a rhythm to their morning. So very interesting! I’m trying to be an invisible bystander...

 

[aart]

Next time I'll try to be more discreet in my intrusions!

I do the opposite, if I need to go in there I do.
The more time you spend in the coop the less disturbance you will be,
they'll get used to your presence and it won't be a big deal.
Not unusual for a bird to set in a nest but not lay until later, especially new layers.

 

[neo71665]

I do the opposite, if I need to go in there I do.
The more time you spend in the coop the less disturbance you will be,
they'll get used to your presence and it won't be a big deal.
Not unusual for a bird to set in a nest but not lay until later, especially new layers.

I do the same. My birds are so used to me I can grab eggs from under them. They don't even stir.

 

[MarkJr]

I moved my roosts down 6” yesterday. While in there with cordless impact driver (loud!) the two in the nest looked at me with a ‘how rude’ look. A third ran in the pop door looking to party! I quit construction long enough for her to sneak behind the curtain and settle in, then finished my task. Not 2 minutes after closing up coop, there was egg song from both of the first ladies, and 20 minutes later the third. One egg each.