Chickens wont roost with one of the flock

[MaggieH031]

Hello all! I'm new to the site and decided to join to get some input from all of you that know much more than I do!

So tonight was the second time this happened. When I got home from work, I saw all of my chickens roosting on their outdoor roost, all settled in. When I looked in my coop, my one girl, who is lowest on the pecking order, was in there all by herself. I found it odd that, if this is due to the pecking order, that the others would push her out instead of staying outside themselves?

They did this 3 nights ago but then were all in together the next two nights and then here we are again doing the same thing.

She is the only one of my girls that isn't laying yet. But I feel like she's getting ready to. Could that have anything to do with it?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Susan Dye]

First, welcome to the group. Second, I'm not nearly as experienced as most here, but I had noticed with my girls that their status does change when they start laying. And, apparently, that's a common thing. It might be that she's is really close to laying her first egg. Maybe the rest of the flock is just giving her some space that they feel she needs. But, I do think you will find a much more cohesive flock when that first egg arrives. So, have patience and enjoy the process.

 

[RWise]

Others will ask for pics of the coop, run etc.,,
Is there enuf ventilation, and what temps at night?
Ammonia odors?
Plenty of space on the roosts?
IF it is to hot inside the coop they will not wish to go in, same with odors.

 

[aart]

Others will ask for pics of the coop, run etc.,,
Is there enuf ventilation, and what temps at night?
Ammonia odors?
Plenty of space on the roosts?
IF it is to hot inside the coop they will not wish to go in, same with odors.

Now we don't have to ask, cause you already did!

She is the only one of my girls that isn't laying yet. But I feel like she's getting ready to. Could that have anything to do with it?

Yeppers, it sure could!
Tho there will always be a 'low bird' so the questions posted by RWise still may apply to the situation.

Welcome to BYC!
Where in this world are you located?
Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, then it's always there!

 

[MaggieH031]

Sorry, i do not have a pic of the coop but im sure there is plenty of room for them. its made to hold a lot more chickens than i have. i am in upstate NY and it has been very muggy but they have gone in during much hotter temps. But maybe the mugginess makes a difference? and they havent done it consistently (like multiple nights in a row). just twice a few days apart.

 

[aart]

Sorry, i do not have a pic of the coop but im sure there is plenty of room for them. its made to hold a lot more chickens than i have. i am in upstate NY and it has been very muggy but they have gone in during much hotter temps. But maybe the mugginess makes a difference? and they havent done it consistently (like multiple nights in a row). just twice a few days apart.

Famous Last Words.
Might not have enough ventilation....you'll need good ventilation in winter too.
Pics and measurements are needed if you want help with improvements.

 

[MaggieH031]

Understood, too bad I'm at work all day and wont have any today.