Free loading hen.

[Nyna]

Hi guys, you know I got this hen that must have laid some eggs (infertile) somewhere, and only comes around when she pleases, like every 2-3 days, spending every night out. One time she came by and I locked her in the coup for a day or so. Then I let her out with the others and she hasn't come back. I am worried she is not going to last long at this rate if she is even still around. DH said he saw he yesterday. She is starting to get picked on by the others because she isn't a part of the 'group' anymore. I can't really lock her in the coup for long because I let them all out and I keep to door open so they can come in and lay. Is this normal behavior?

 

[bigzio]

Yep this is normal behavior for the way she is managed. It would be best to place her in the coop with her own small pen, providing her with feed and water, and keeping it clean for a couple of weeks so she knows where home is and for the rest of the flock to get use to her. She will then realize this as home and the flock will adjust the pecking order, but everything should work out in the end. Good Luck.

bigzio