Someone laid an egg in the run

[LI chickie]

I went out to the chickens I check for eggs before I left for work (they are about 21 weeks old) I saw them pecking at a egg that somebody laid in the run on the ground. I quickly grabbed it and collected the 3 eggs in the nest box.
I realized that not all 6 chicks are laying yet I've been getting 3 sometimes 4 or less a day. Earlier this morning there was a broken soft shelled egg on the droppings board so I guess another chick is starting to lay.
It's strange that the chicks that have been laying knew to go to the nest box but this chick didn't know. I hope she figures it out before the start eating the eggs left in the run.

 

[nchls school]

I went out to the chickens I check for eggs before I left for work (they are about 21 weeks old) I saw them pecking at a egg that somebody laid in the run on the ground. I quickly grabbed it and collected the 3 eggs in the nest box.
I realized that not all 6 chicks are laying yet I've been getting 3 sometimes 4 or less a day. Earlier this morning there was a broken soft shelled egg on the droppings board so I guess another chick is starting to lay.
It's strange that the chicks that have been laying knew to go to the nest box but this chick didn't know. I hope she figures it out before the start eating the eggs left in the run.

Consider putting a nest box in the run. Chickens eating raw egg will lead to having hens breaking their eggs to eat the insides and that's a habit that's hard to break. I had to put a box in the run. Now the hen is brooding; a bit worrisome as the weather has turned cold and wet. Good luck.

 

[LI chickie]

Ok I can try that, I'll look around and see what I can use. I think I may have a plastic bin I could cut a hole in. I didn't want to encourage her to lay outside but I guess it's not up to me.

 

[nchls school]

Ok I can try that, I'll look around and see what I can use. I think I may have a plastic bin I could cut a hole in. I didn't want to encourage her to lay outside but I guess it's not up to me.

Another option is to lock them in the coop for a few days. If you do put a nest box in the run put it as close to the coop door as you can. Should the hen use it I'd move the box inside after she has laid a few eggs.

 

[LI chickie]

Too hot during the day to lock them in the coop. I will put the outside box near the ramp then bring it inside.

 

[rides2far]

I have the same problem. One hen is laying all over the run. I took a cat litter box I had sanitized & put it in the run with shavings & golf balls. She is still laying in the dirt

. Hope yours figures it out.

 

[beetandsteet]

I went out to the chickens I check for eggs before I left for work (they are about 21 weeks old) I saw them pecking at a egg that somebody laid in the run on the ground. I quickly grabbed it and collected the 3 eggs in the nest box.
I realized that not all 6 chicks are laying yet I've been getting 3 sometimes 4 or less a day. Earlier this morning there was a broken soft shelled egg on the droppings board so I guess another chick is starting to lay.
It's strange that the chicks that have been laying knew to go to the nest box but this chick didn't know. I hope she figures it out before the start eating the eggs left in the run.

I have had this same problem before. Usually it is because there is a stiff pecking order in the coop, and one hen is prevented (by pecks and threats from the other hens) from using the nest(s). Adding more nests---away from the other ones---and supplying them with fake ceramic or real eggs to encourage laying is a solution to this. Yes, make sure to remove the eggs in the run.
Also, with young hens, it may take a little while for some or all of them to use the nests. Give this little chick a bit of time