Laying outside the coop

[Chookiemom]

Hi all,

I am now reintegrating one of my hens(amerecauna)who was not feeling well to the rest of the flock. I checked everyone out and they do not show any signs of illness and are perky now. I put the one who was separated in a cage in the run until I feel confident they have adjusted a bit.

So today I look out and notice an egg in the run from my olive egger that can get to the coop/nesting box. I have been keeping everything extra clean since the illness so I do not think she is avoiding laying in the box due to dirtiness. Do you think she is just stressed from the change? Should I not worry about it? The egg is good condition but she has never laid outside of the coop before. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SueT]

How big is the flock, and are they all the same age? How many nest boxes? Is the one that was re-integrated the one that is laying outside? Sometimes, lower pecking order hens find they are not allowed to lay where the others lay.
Sometimes, an egg comes unexpectedly, and ends up outside.
I have seen both the above happen.....

 

[3KillerBs]

Sometimes a chicken just doesn't make it to the box.

I only worry about run eggs if they become a habit.

 

[Mrs. K]

What are you cleaning with? Fumes can be very irritating to birds. And chickens hate change. To be honest, they would rather be laying in a dirtier set up than a spic and span clean one, cause cleaning constantly causes change.

Mrs K

 

[Chookiemom]

Sorry for the late update. She ended up laying normally right after. I am assuming she was a little stressed from the change of re integration. Thanks for the reaponses.