Wild forest chicken laying in the wrong place

[MIChickandGuinea]

Calliope says she’s a wild forest chicken, and she doesn’t lay eggs in the coop. I don’t let them out until late in the day, once I feel fairly sure everyone who was going to lay an egg has done so. But the last two days, Calliope has waited till just before dark to go hide in my herb garden and lay her egg. Any way to break this habit without making all the ladies stay penned all day? (You’d THINK I could release everyone but Calliope, but she’s a crafty one!!).
Thanks!

 

[Lauren Kim]

When chickens are broody, they lay wherever they feel like it.

 

[adstowe]

Just keep them all cooped up for a week or so, so she gets in the habit of using the nesting boxes again.

 

[aart]

Agrees to locking them all up for a week or so....to 'force' a change her habits.
Has little to do with being broody......unless she sits on eggs all night.
I wouldn't confine her without the others...even if you could.

Sounds like you are already doing this,
but just go a little later in the day before ranging them.

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for 3-4 days (or longer) can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop 24/7 for a few days to a week, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.