New layer in nesting box at night. What to do?

[DS17]

I got home late tonight and when I went to close up the coop (they all free range during the
day) I found one of my new laying bantams in a nesting box. I had been keeping golf balls in the boxes so they would get this idea where to lay. She laid an egg earlier today so she wouldn't be trying to lay again tonight would she? I removed all the other golf balls except for the one that is the nesting box with the hen. I tried to lightly push her out of the box but she was trying to peck me. Would a new layer (she only started laying eggs two weeks ago) be broody? I will remove the golf ball tomorrow But is there anything else I should do?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Reach in, pick her up (yes, even if she tries to peck you - if she scares you too much put on a glove or pull your sleeves over your hands) and place her on the roost. *IF* she is going broody you will find her back in the nest by morning, and she'll stay there day and night beyond, but I suspect it is more a case of new layer having discovered the joys of a cozy nest who needs a few repetitions of "this is not where we sleep"

 

[DS17]

Thank you so much for your input! I did go out and put her on the roost. I went ahead and took out the golf ball that she was sitting on. Guess we'll see what tomorrow brings