Newbie w/ nesting questions

[Kiki]

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[Chick-N-Fun]

Howdy! Welcome to our FUNomenal community! Make yourself at home! Best wishes and have lots of FUN!

 

[christwodog]

I’ve thought of blocking it off. Yesterday she layed late in the afternoon and left the box for only an hour to return again. She didn’t lay today at all. Someone is laying a soft egg every couple of days found below the roosting rail. I’m hoping she gets tired of getting relocated in the evening. The Australorp lays in the same box as her, the other three lay in the other nesting box. Neither her nor the Australorp layed today. Just wondering if it’s just new girls learning their production process as you suggested. Thanks for your insight. Research on the forum indicated Americanas aren’t known to be broody so I don’t think that is the issue. IDK...

I would think 26 weeks is a little young to be broody? I guess anything is possible though. One of my Ameraucanas went broody last year, and she was 1 1/2 yrs old at that time. There was no mistaking the fact she was broody, she would literally growl at me when I would move her out of the box to clean it. I would block off the box to keep her out and she would freak out, running around like a crazy bird. I don't know the earliest age at which broodiness is likely, so I guess it is something to consider.

 

[5backyardhens]

Is there any chance the others pick on her - maybe when she was on the roost. Now she doesn't want to be there overnight.

That is possible but previously she was pretty high on the pecking order but I think she’s somewhere in the middle now. She is usually the first on the roost and lady off in the AM.

 

[5backyardhens]

Your 'Americana' if purchased from a feed store/hatchery is very likely an Easter Egger, and depending upon the individual bird's genetic make up they frequently go broody. I would guess that you are dealing with a broody hen.

She was purchased through Hoover’s Hatchery from what I was told. I’m pretty sure she isn’t an Easter Egger but your opinion is appreciated.