Hide-and-Seek: Lessons Learned from Backyard Hens
Observing your flock uncovers moments of calm, curiosity, and unexpected understanding.
Each spring, as the days lengthen and the landscape wakes, a subtle drama unfolds in one Oregon backyard. What begins as a simple search for freshly laid eggs becomes a journey into the mysterious world of chickens—those seemingly simple creatures whose antics reveal lessons in patience, curiosity, and the art of living in the moment.
Introduction: The Backyard Egg Hunt
Spring in the countryside often signals renewal, and for backyard chicken keepers, it brings an extra challenge: the elusive egg hunt. Author Tove Danovich recounts her springtime struggle, waged not against natural predators or harsh weather, but against her flock of cunning hens who choose to lay their eggs in the most secretive places rather than the cozy, straw-filled nest boxes she painstakingly prepares each week.
This game of hide-and-seek blurs the line between owner and observer, inviting readers to ponder both the instincts that drive animal behavior and the broader connections we share with the creatures in our care.
The Battle of Wits: Outmaneuvered by Hens
Tove’s battle begins innocently enough: She supplies her hens with every comfort—a modern coop, fresh straw, and inviting nest boxes. Yet her efforts appear futile as the flock defiantly reverts to its ancestral instincts, hiding eggs with diligence and craftiness across the expanse of her backyard.
- Ancestor’s Habits: The tendency to hide eggs is not merely stubbornness but a remnant of the chicken’s wild past. In the wild, the safest nest is the one hidden from predators. Even domesticated hens retain this instinct when the urge compels them.
- Caretaker’s Dilemma: As she scours her backyard, peering under bushes and around garden beds, Tove is met only with disappointment—day after day, her well-intentioned surveillance reveals no hidden treasures.
- Changing Perceptions: The quest for eggs gradually evolves from a singular mission to a deeper observation of chicken behavior, revealing personalities and routines she’d never fully noticed before.
Following the Feathered Suspects
Emmylou, a diminutive and speckled Belgian d’Uccle hen, becomes the primary suspect in the case of vanishing eggs. Tove follows her elusive hen as though starring in a nature documentary, only to be led on a wild chase with each promising hiding place yielding nothing but dirt and disappointment.
Yet, amid these fruitless pursuits, unexpected discoveries emerge:
- Secret Lives Unveiled: A white Polish hen named Phryne feasts on preening in the shade. Thelma and Louise, red hens rescued from an egg farm, bask on sun-warmed patio bricks—a portrait of contentment and adaptation.
- Patience Rewarded: The act of following her chickens, often with no tangible results, gives Tove the gift of presence. It’s as if the longer she observes her flock, the more attuned she becomes to the pulse of backyard life.
Living at a Hen’s Pace
As her surveillance intensifies, so too does Tove’s understanding of her flock. She gradually abandons her frantic search in favor of quiet coexistence, observing the tiny moments that shape each hen’s day. This shift reveals a powerful truth:
- The Rhythm of Chickens: Chickens, with their unhurried routines—dust bathing, preening, sunbathing—model a kind of mindful existence that humans often overlook amidst busy schedules.
- The Joy of Observation: What began as a meticulous hunt for missing eggs transforms into genuine enjoyment of the hens’ idiosyncrasies and subtleties.
“Their antics became so enjoyable that I stopped tailing my birds entirely and instead simply started hanging out with the flock,” writes Tove. The backyard becomes a shared domain, where mystery and tranquility coexist.
The Breakthrough: Discovering the Hidden Eggs
A turning point arrives one afternoon when, out the corner of her eye, Tove spots Emmylou emerging from the dappled shadows of a salvia plant. The hen glances around conspiratorially, then scampers away—a clear signal that something unusual is afoot.
Upon investigation, Tove finally uncovers the long-sought nest: a clutch of eggs hidden beneath loose dirt and shaded greenery. The sense of accomplishment, however, is less about victory and more about mutual respect.
- Respecting Natural Instincts: Instead of feeling outsmarted, Tove recognizes that these hidden eggs are evidence of a deeper biological wisdom—one that even the most nurturing human interventions cannot entirely overwrite.
- A New Perspective: The eggs may belong to her, but the journey toward finding them belongs equally to the hens, whose instincts still echo those of their wild ancestors.
This discovery marks a shift in her outlook. Rather than competing with her flock, she now shares the springtime game, sometimes “winning” but always knowing the deeper value lies in the process rather than the prize.
Lessons from the Flock: What Chickens Teach Us
What can be learned from this annual egg hunt? The answers extend beyond simple animal husbandry into the realm of mindfulness, respect for nature, and the joy of observation.
- Patience and Presence:
- Chickens will not be hurried, and searching for their eggs demands presence and patience.
- In a world driven by instant gratification, following a flock becomes an exercise in slowing down.
- Respect for Instinct:
- Despite offering every comfort, humans cannot (and perhaps should not) override the natural instincts of the animals they care for.
- The joy is in understanding, not conquering, these tendencies.
- Everyday Wonders:
- The daily routines of chickens—sunbathing, grooming, nesting—can inspire an appreciation for the ordinary joys of life.
- Noticing these small moments cultivates gratitude and curiosity.
- Shared Worlds:
- Humans and animals create overlapping spheres of influence, shaping each other’s experiences in subtle ways.
- The hidden nests become symbols of shared space and mutual respect.
Practical Advice for Backyard Chicken Keepers
Inspired to share your yard with chickens? Consider these tips to strike a balance between animal instincts and human expectations.
- Provide Multiple Nesting Options: Chickens may appreciate a variety of soft, private spaces—beyond standard nest boxes. Experiment with extra straw, corners, or shaded areas.
- Create Safe, Enriching Environments: Give hens access to secure spaces with plenty of cover for dust baths, foraging, and play.
- Observe More, Intervene Less: Sometimes the best way to learn is by watching. Let natural rhythms unfold, intervening only for health and safety.
- Celebrate Small Victories: Take joy in both the hunt and the habits. Missing eggs may mean your chickens are healthy, alert, and engaged with their environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do chickens hide their eggs, even when provided with nest boxes?
Hiding eggs is an inherited protective instinct. In the wild, concealed nests keep eggs safe from predators. Even domesticated hens can feel compelled to hide their eggs, especially in spring or when seeking privacy for brooding.
How can I encourage my hens to use nest boxes?
Place nest boxes in quiet, low-traffic areas. Make them soft and appealing with fresh straw or wood shavings. Regularly collect eggs so hens don’t perceive the boxes as too ‘full.’ However, some birds will always prefer their own secret spots.
Is it bad to let hens hide their eggs?
Allowing hens occasional freedom to hide eggs usually isn’t harmful, provided you check for lost or forgotten clutches to avoid spoilage or attracting pests. The behavior can indicate healthy instincts and engagement with their environment.
How can I find a hidden nest?
Watch for hens who disappear and reappear from the same direction, or who display nesting behaviors such as collecting materials or acting secretive. Quietly observe from a distance if possible, and check favorite hiding spots—dense plants, under structures, or in hidden garden corners.
What are the best breeds for backyard flocks?
Popular friendly layers include Buff Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, Australorps, and Belgian d’Uccles. Each breed has unique personalities and laying habits—observe them to find the best fit for your environment.
Reflections: Embracing the Joy of Coexistence
Ultimately, the great backyard egg hunt is about much more than eggs. It’s about accepting that sometimes, despite our best intentions, we are spectators in the theater of animal life, not always directors. By embracing curiosity instead of control, humans deepen their relationships with the creatures they care for and rediscover the wonder in the everyday.
As Tove Danovich writes, “Really, they were just teaching me how to live at a hen’s pace.” The next time you lose an egg to a cunning hen, remember: there’s wisdom, joy, and a gentle lesson waiting in the search itself.
About the Author
Tove Danovich is the author of Under the Henfluence: Inside the World of Backyard Chickens and the People Who Love Them, a thoughtful exploration of the bonds between humans and their feathered friends. Her observations remind us that sometimes, the best guidance comes from those who walk—and fly—at a different rhythm than our own.
References
- https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a43252969/creature-comforts-hide-and-seek/
- https://www.americanhunter.org/content/first-timer-safari-africa-through-fresh-eyes/
- https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a40946131/creature-comforts-forever-sidekick/
- https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-09-25/venezuelan-refugee-los-angeles-flees-to-mexico-ice-raids
- https://www.gathermagazine.org/hide-and-seek-what-advent-taught-me-about-grief/
- https://www.aol.com/articles/small-town-georgia-feels-straight-195606399.html
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