Should I put my hen in timeout?

[fingbob]

My SF seems so confused today. I think she is trying to lay her first egg. It's like she is trying to find a place to hide. I don't want her to be one of those chickens that I need to search for her eggs everyday. Should I lock her in one of the nest boxes?

 

[gritsar]

You can try placing her in a nestbox, dummy eggs or golf balls in the nestbox may help her to understand. If she hasn't laid an egg by the end of the day I would give her a good lookover to be sure her behavior is not caused by a physical problem.

 

[fingbob]

She may have layed an egg yesterday. I found one on my cement slab that was cracked. Today it is like she can't find a spot that is comfortable. she is running from one spot to another and scratching around, But nothing seems to work for her. I have fake eggs in the nest boxes and I have put her in them at least ten times. I have now locked her in them and she seems to be happier. I have checked on her a few times and she seems to have calmed down. I'll give her 20 min total locked in there and then I will let her out.

 

[miquwid]

She may have layed an egg yesterday. I found one on my cement slab that was cracked. Today it is like she can't find a spot that is comfortable. she is running from one spot to another and scratching around, But nothing seems to work for her. I have fake eggs in the nest boxes and I have put her in them at least ten times. I have now locked her in them and she seems to be happier. I have checked on her a few times and she seems to have calmed down. I'll give her 20 min total locked in there and then I will let her out.

oh goodness poor girl, I can understand though I hope she gets the hang of it. I know sometimes my girl one goes in and out in and out for about ten mintues then finaly lays and egg.

 

[fingbob]

After 16 min of timeout she laid an egg!!!!

 

[gritsar]

Cool beans! I always feel bad for the first time layers, so confused about what is happening.

 

[miquwid]

oh good i'm so happy for you