Helping out low bird in pecking order

[Naliez]

Plus, we free range. They have more than enough room and food. The problem comes when the more agressive ones go out of their way to chase and harass. Either they learn, or get rehomed. With the yard being shared by other animals and kids, we don't have room for a jerky chicken.

 

[Vickery]

I have 1 out of 7 hens (4 are laying newbies-about 34 weeks old, the other 3 are about 2.5 years) that just WILL NOT go into the coop at night. I literally have to pick her up and put her in each night (off the outside roost and into the inside roost with the others). We are currently in the process of building a bigger coop but the existing one still has enough room in it for her to fit. She is definitely "low" on the "pecking order" but...what to do? I need to go out of town and my "friends" probably don;t have the inclination to put her in each night!!! Am I "babying" her...will she EVER go in on her own? Winter's coming here in Northern Nevada...sure would be nice if she'd follow her flock in at night! Any suggestions???? Thanks. Vickery.

 

[aart]

I have 1 out of 7 hens (4 are laying newbies-about 34 weeks old, the other 3 are about 2.5 years) that just WILL NOT go into the coop at night. I literally have to pick her up and put her in each night (off the outside roost and into the inside roost with the others). We are currently in the process of building a bigger coop but the existing one still has enough room in it for her to fit. She is definitely "low" on the "pecking order" but...what to do? I need to go out of town and my "friends" probably don;t have the inclination to put her in each night!!! Am I "babying" her...will she EVER go in on her own? Winter's coming here in Northern Nevada...sure would be nice if she'd follow her flock in at night! Any suggestions???? Thanks. Vickery.

How big is your coop(feet by feet) and how long is your roost(feet)?
I'd add another roost slightly lower than the main one.