Silly hen keeps escaping before she lays her egg!!

[toendersfarm]

Hi all,
Funny question - we have only one hen laying so far (5 others soon to follow I hope!) We have a coop with a small attached covered run, plus a larger grassy run with 6’ fence they have access to all day. We let them out to free range later in the day when we can watch them (previous fox issues). One hen started laying a couple weeks ago. The past few days she has been escaping the run (jumps onto outside roof of nesting boxes, up to roof of coop and out) and I find her up on my deck poking around. We return her to coop, place her in nesting box and eventually she lays (some morning takes 2-3 returns before we see an egg). After her egg is laid she is content to stay in the run the rest of the day until we let them all out. I’ve kept nesting boxes clean (shavings), made sure there are no mites or other critters, watched to make sure the other girls are not bugging her, she seems content when we place her in there..... but a few min to while later she emerges and escapes again. Any ideas or suggestions?? (Pictures of set-up and sneaky little Licorice are attached)

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Easter Eggers are my worst offenders for wanting to roam and hide their nest if possible.

Do you have fake eggs left in the nest so she doesn't think they're being raided daily?

I would suggest putting a top on your run if you can. It will help contain her and maybe even prevent any aerial attacks.

Hope you are enjoying BYC!

 

[toendersfarm]

I observed for a while this morning and noticed my other gal picking at the foam insulation at underside of nest boxes - tap, tap, squeak noises. I’m wondering if that was driving her crazy as well..... she tends to like her privacy.... we will cover that area with wood to prevent further picking at it.... but yes we are in process of figuring out how to cover the run also. Thanks for your input!