Nesting

[Winged Zoo]

I have 2 roosters and a hen that continually fly out the run every morning, and then reenter to go back into the coop at night. (Yes, I know how to remedy this) Yesterday while I was out doing yard working and building my goat pen I found a nest of 7 eggs. I carefully moved the entire nest without touch or moving the eggs (a must because they would have been crushed by the tractor if not.) and placed them in a part of the coop no others can get to, dated them and tossed her in. She lightly pecked at them and moved them a little when I first put her in. I checked on her a few times throughout the day. The first few hours all the eggs were still in the nest. Now they're kinda scattered about. Has she given up and should I toss them, or is this normal?

 

[Ridgerunner]

You said she returned to the coop each night. That means she is not broody. She was just hiding a nest. A broody hen spends all night and practically all day sitting on the eggs, coming off only to eat, drink, and poop before returning to the eggs. If you expect her to hatch those eggs you are wasting your time.

 

[Winged Zoo]

To be honest, I can't guarntee she went to the coop at night cause the nest was hidden. I can however say that she is active around the yard during the day. I'll toss 'em and let her back in the run. Thanks!