So unpredictably predictable (and vice-versa!)

[chickbea]

We all know there is no animal more addicted to the daily routine as a chicken is (try doing your chores later than they expect you to and see how cranky they get!). However, I have to wonder what is it that once in a blue moon causes them to change a routine. For instance, I have a very old Australorp who has insisted in laying in the same place for at least the last three years. If another hen is in that spot when she wants to lay, she either waits or kicks out the interloper. Well, hasn't she recently decided that under the potting shed is now the place to lay! However, she always goes to her old spot first, looks around with a distinctly disgusted look on her face, and then goes off under the shed. For the life of me I can't figure out what the problem is that she's finding in the old spot. It's just too funny watching her go in there - she just looks so exasperated when she comes out!