Hen seems suddenly anxious to use nest box

[Sofainthefog]

For context, I have a flock of 7 hens and 1 rooster, all born in 2024 but 3 of the hens are a few months older than the rest. 2 of the new hens are isbars that just started to lay about 6 weeks ago. A couple weeks ago I noticed one of them missing and caught her coming over the fence at dusk, and found a secret nest in the front yard with 2 eggs. I clipped their wings and it seems to be keeping them to the backyard. However, now one of them has been pacing around areas in the yard, making a trilling noise (similar to a warning purr but more broken up) and it seems as if shes trying to find a suitable spot to lay. I know she has laid in the box before, since we have a ring cam so I can see who's gone into the nesting boxes. The other girls don't seem to have any issue with the boxes, but I'm concerned it could be a hierarchy/bullying issue. Yesterday I put her in the coop and shut it and she laid her egg within 10 minutes. My rooster seems very concerned and has been following around and trying to show her how to nest (it's really sweet lol) but I think the other hens could be stressing her out from wanting to use the boxes? There are 3 boxes, and at different points all of them have been used, but of course there currently is a favorite. Is there anything I can do?

 

[FowlProtector]

It could be due to several reasons. Firstly, the other hens might be bullying the Isbar hen, causing her stress and making her hesitant to use the nesting boxes. Secondly, chickens can be quite particular about their nesting boxes, and the Isbar hen might prefer a different location that is occupied or deemed unacceptable by her. Lastly, Isbar hens are known for their strong breeding and laying instincts, and she might be seeking a more secluded or secure location to lay her eggs.
Do you have any more details?

 

[sourland]

Do you have fake or nest eggs in the nest boxes?

 

[Sofainthefog]

It could be due to several reasons. Firstly, the other hens might be bullying the Isbar hen, causing her stress and making her hesitant to use the nesting boxes. Secondly, chickens can be quite particular about their nesting boxes, and the Isbar hen might prefer a different location that is occupied or deemed unacceptable by her. Lastly, Isbar hens are known for their strong breeding and laying instincts, and she might be seeking a more secluded or secure location to lay her eggs.
Do you have any more details?

What in particular would be helpful? I was wondering if this could be a breed thing. She paces around the fence and seems frantic, I think because she can't fly over the fence anymore. Her sister was the one I caught actually out of the yard, but the nest I found in the front yard had 2 eggs, so it had happened at least once before and they both have flown onto the roof of their run so I suspect she also had done it at some point.

 

[Sofainthefog]

Do you have fake or nest eggs in the nest boxes?

I did while they were learning but since they all seemed to have caught on I took them out. Like I said she WAS laying in the boxes for at least 3-4 weeks before this started.

 

[Sofainthefog]

I also will say the isbars are definitely my most vocal and dramatic of the bunch lol. they scream just for the heck of it sometimes so I could be misinterpreting her behavior as more “distressed” than it is

 

[FowlProtector]

What in particular would be helpful? I was wondering if this could be a breed thing. She paces around the fence and seems frantic, I think because she can't fly over the fence anymore. Her sister was the one I caught actually out of the yard, but the nest I found in the front yard had 2 eggs, so it had happened at least once before and they both have flown onto the roof of their run so I suspect she also had done it at some point.

The Isbar hen’s pacing and frantic behavior might be because of her breed. Isbar chickens are super active and love to roam free. Since you clipped their wings, they might be feeling stuck and frustrated.

To help her feel better, you can add more fun things to do in the yard. For example, you can put out more foraging spots, scratching posts, and dust baths. This will give her mental and physical stimulation.


You could also put up some perches or elevated areas in the yard so she can climb and watch her surroundings from a higher spot. This might make her feel more secure and reduce her stress.

It’s also possible that she’s feeling a bit sad or frustrated because she can’t fly or forage outside the yard.

 

[Sofainthefog]

The Isbar hen’s pacing and frantic behavior might be because of her breed. Isbar chickens are super active and love to roam free. Since you clipped their wings, they might be feeling stuck and frustrated.

To help her feel better, you can add more fun things to do in the yard. For example, you can put out more foraging spots, scratching posts, and dust baths. This will give her mental and physical stimulation.


You could also put up some perches or elevated areas in the yard so she can climb and watch her surroundings from a higher spot. This might make her feel more secure and reduce her stress.

It’s also possible that she’s feeling a bit sad or frustrated because she can’t fly or forage outside the yard.

That makes sense! So likely there will be an adjustment period? And do you think its a combination of the general frustration with the egg laying and not just looking for a nest spot?

We have a pretty large yard full of bushes and trees, lots of nooks and crannies, but of course the grass is always greener!

 

[Sofainthefog]

here’s another thing i’ve caught her doing which is why I’m suspicious of the nesting as well

 

[FowlProtector]

Yes, Isbar hens may need time to adjust to confinement, especially during egg-laying, which can lead to pacing and frantic behavior. Providing a stimulating environment and a safe area for foraging can help alleviate stress.