Restless hens

[sunshynertc]

My hens were all restless and noisy this morning. Their cries were different to the "I just laid an egg" cry. They are free range. I went to check up on the hens and found all the eggs out of the nest and broken and the nesting box toppled over. I had checked the hens about 40 minutes earlier and found the nesting box knocked over. I have locked the hens up in the chicken run. They are distressed. How can I figure out what is getting into the coop and how can I calm them down?

Thanks

 

[chicken-whisperer]

One thing you can try is a pan of water in the pen on a dry board, as a raccoon can not resist water and will leave foot prints.

 

[chicken-whisperer]

My flock sometimes gets upset when a hawk comes but treats like some popcorn calms them down.