Coop shy

[PBRADLEY]

Hello I really need help with knowing what to do with one of my chickens. I have four and a few days ago one of my chickens went into my small coop instead of the main coop. Blackie is the one that the alpha chicken fusses at, so I don't know if that's why. Should I allow her to sleep in the small coop alone? It's getting cold at night so I'm concerned. Last night I covered the small coop with fleece.

 

[ChickNanny13]

It's highly probably Blackie prefers not being fussed with, choose to sleep alone. You could block off the smaller coop, entice Blackie into the main coop with treats scattered on the ground or lock them up in the main coop for a few days until Blackie understands.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is she being bullied in your big coop? How big is big? Where are you located as far as climate and what you consider cold? You could close off the small coop if it bothers you, but you need to find out why it's leaving.

 

[PBRADLEY]

It's highly probably Blackie prefers not being fussed with, choose to sleep alone. You could block off the smaller coop, entice Blackie into the main coop with treats scattered on the ground or lock them up in the main coop for a few days until Blackie understands.

Thanks so much for your help. I don't mind her sleeping in the small coop at all. I just don't want Red to be even more mean. My 4 peeps will be 6 years old in February. They are out in the yard during the day and go into the coop at night. I live near Savannah GA so we have some cold nights. I've always put a heat lamp on at night so it stays about 10 degrees warmer than outside. I could put a small heat lamp in the small coop if I need to. I just didn't know if the separation would cause more stress for Blackie.

 

[PBRADLEY]

Is she being bullied in your big coop? How big is big? Where are you located as far as climate and what you consider cold? You could close off the small coop if it bothers you, but you need to find out why it's leaving.

Thanks so much! Blackie and two other peeps are birchen coachens and Red is not as big. Yes Blackie is bullied In The big coop, in the yard and at the watering basin. The Pic with my name is of the 4 peeps. They no longer lay and will be here until. My Avian vet said that she has never seen a more healthy 5 year old chicken. I don't care if she sleeps alone, I just don't want it to cause more problems. How can I find out why she started going into the small coop? They are free range during the day and locked up at night. Heat lamps on cold nights. Very spoiled peeps. I appreciate all advice. I don't want poor Blackie to get hurt.

 

[PBRADLEY]

Thanks so much for your help. I don't mind her sleeping in the small coop at all. I just don't want Red to be even more mean. My 4 peeps will be 6 years old in February. They are out in the yard during the day and go into the coop at night. I live near Savannah GA so we have some cold nights. I've always put a heat lamp on at night so it stays about 10 degrees warmer than outside. I could put a small heat lamp in the small coop if I need to. I just didn't know if the separation would cause more stress for Blackie.

Oh yeah I did put carpet on the perches but maybe her arthritis is so bad that she doesn't want to perch. In the small coop she is just on bedding.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Your birds don't need heat, but they are your birds. Could be it leaves because it's too hot. A Cochin is well feathered and adding heat could be uncomfortable. The extra light also will keep birds awake all night and more likely to squabble.

 

[PBRADLEY]

Your birds don't need heat, but they are your birds. Could be it leaves because it's too hot. A Cochin is well feathered and adding heat could be uncomfortable. The extra light also will keep birds awake all night and more likely to squabble.

Thanks but I only put a black night light on if it's below freezing. Blackie is a sweet baby and I am happy to let her stay in the small coop at night as long as it's safe and the other 3 won't attack herBy the way how long do well cared for chickens live?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks but I only put a black night light on if it's below freezing. Blackie is a sweet baby and I am happy to let her stay in the small coop at night as long as it's safe and the other 3 won't attack herBy the way how long do well cared for chickens live?

About half of mine live 4-6 years. The other half live 8-10 years. Some can make it much older but that's unusual.

 

[aart]

Thanks but I only put a black night light on if it's below freezing.

Never heard of this....a black light generates heat?