Suddenly laying in yard

[WindingRoad]

I don’t think you’d have to lock your hens up for a “few days” just to get them to lay in the nest box. Try using some fake eggs or even golf balls and see how that goes.

When I first got my BO and ISAB they didn't even know how to get in the coop. Wouldn't climb the stairs and to physically put them up there. They were laying in the yard and in the run. I just put them up in the coop often. And they always go in the coop at night with the door shut. And they mostly lay over night. I usually get eggs at 06:30 when I go out to feed them and let them out of the coop. I'm not spending money on fake eggs or golf balls.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

When I first got my BO and ISAB they didn't even know how to get in the coop. Wouldn't climb the stairs and to physically put them up there. They were laying in the yard and in the run. I just put them up in the coop often. And they always go in the coop at night with the door shut. And they mostly lay over night. I usually get eggs at 06:30 when I go out to feed them and let them out of the coop. I'm not spending money on fake eggs or golf balls.

Yes, but the OP hasn’t mentioned any problems with the hens using the coop at night. The OP is asking if there’s any ways they can get their hen to use the nest box again. It would be cruel to keep the hen locked in the coop for a “few days” just to get her to lay an egg. She also might just start laying on the floor of the coop again which will not solve the problem. A fake egg placed in both nest boxes in this case will.

 

[WindingRoad]

Yes, but the OP hasn’t mentioned any problems with the hens using the coop at night. The OP is asking if there’s any ways they can get their hen to use the nest box again. It would be cruel to keep the hen locked in the coop for a “few days” just to get her to lay an egg. She also might just start laying on the floor of the coop again which will not solve the problem. A fake egg placed in both nest boxes in this case will.

To each his own. I didn't say she had to stay in there 24/7 re read my post of content.

 

[aart]

Agrees fake egg is the first thing to try.
Might also check nests for pests.
It could be another pullet is near to laying and there's some dissension over the nests.
Plus be patient, new layers are pretty goofy....they'll figure it all out.

 

[WindingRoad]

Yes, but the OP hasn’t mentioned any problems with the hens using the coop at night. The OP is asking if there’s any ways they can get their hen to use the nest box again. It would be cruel to keep the hen locked in the coop for a “few days” just to get her to lay an egg. She also might just start laying on the floor of the coop again which will not solve the problem. A fake egg placed in both nest boxes in this case will.

A lot of people don't mention all the particulars of their situation. And I altered my post and elaborated I guess it was easier for you to not read that one.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

A lot of people don't mention all the particulars of their situation. And I altered my post and elaborated I guess it was easier for you to not read that one.

What if the OP doesn’t have the time to go out and check on her in the coop every now and then for a “few days” to see if she laid an egg ?
It’s way less time consuming to put a fake egg in both nests. This should also prevent her from ditching the nest in the future as she’ll see the fake egg in there every morning when she goes to lay an egg.

 

[WindingRoad]

What if the OP doesn’t have the time to go out and check on her in the coop every now and then for a “few days” to see if she laid an egg ?
It’s way less time consuming to put a fake egg in both nests. This should also prevent her from ditching the nest in the future as she’ll see the fake egg in there every morning when she goes to lay an egg.

Then IMHO she shouldn't have chickens. I'm sure you won't like that answer. Chicken are not some hobby like knitting or baking.