Tractor terrified Egg layers

[3 NH reds]

I got a new Kubota and I was moving firewood past the coops yesterday. The Turkeys and the Rangers and Jersey Giants were OK. In the layer coop the Reds Orps and Comets hid in terror. When they came out fights broke out and a Broody Orp had destroyed 4of12 eggs she was on for over a week. I can't think of any way to stop this.

 

[Den in Penn]

Just desensitize them to it. Park it where they can see it. Don't travel close to the coop for a while. As you found out some new things can scare the heck out of them.

 

[3 NH reds]

Kind of strange. I built 2 coops near them this spring and the air framing gun and chop saw had no effect. I will try parking the tractor close by and see.