Hen just stays in coop advice

[PlentifulPrairie]

Hi I have a 3 year old hen that is just staying in the coop all day.

She seems fine she is slightly molting but outside of that fine.

She gets along with most of the hens, however my rooster does seem her out and mount her. She squats down right away but that’s the only thing I can think of causing her to stay in the coop, perhaps it’s really bothering her and she’d rather stay in the coop to avoid that.

Advice?

I work during the day but I have cameras in my coop so I know she’s in there most of the day.

 

[sourland]

My guess is that she is avoiding the rooster because of the molting. I would make sure that she has access to feed and water. How many hens are in the flock?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Is this new behavior?

 

[PlentifulPrairie]

Is this new behavior?

Yes new behavior.

 

[PlentifulPrairie]

My guess is that she is avoiding the rooster because of the molting. I would make sure that she has access to feed and water. How many hens are in the flock?

9

 

[HollowOfWisps]

It’s the molting. When they molt they are much more sensitive to the elements and being mated can be painful. When my hens molt several that are usually very active foragers will just hang around inside until they have finished molting.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It’s the molting. When they molt they are much more sensitive to the elements and being mated can be painful. When my hens molt several that are usually very active foragers will just hang around inside until they have finished molting.

Agree.

 

[Rowanh16]

Hi I have a 3 year old hen that is just staying in the coop all day.

She seems fine she is slightly molting but outside of that fine.

She gets along with most of the hens, however my rooster does seem her out and mount her. She squats down right away but that’s the only thing I can think of causing her to stay in the coop, perhaps it’s really bothering her and she’d rather stay in the coop to avoid that.

Advice?

I work during the day but I have cameras in my coop so I know she’s in there most of the day.

Could be broody but does sound like the rooster could also be an issue. When you see him mounting try to grab him and put him between your knees and push his face into the ground similar to what a top bird would do to lower ones. It will help him realize he’s not the boss. Also try carrying the picked on hen around lots I’ve heard birds realize that if you like them they need to respect them

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Is she staying in a nesting box?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Also try carrying the picked on hen around lots

Not a good idea with a molting bird. It's like carrying around someone with a bad sunburn, they will NOT appreciate it.