Hen pecked

[strausie08]

Ok.... quick overview....
6 chickens, all red pullets
roughly 1.5 years old, all purchased at the same time.
all was just fine up to this point. All getting along, all laying eggs. As of late the flocks seams to be singling out one hen.....now, this one hen was injured about a year ago. She broke her leg, but unsure of what to do, and the fact that she was drinking and eating just fine, we left her go. She made it through the remainer of summer and all of that cold winter just fine. Within the past week or so, we've noticed the other hens starting peck and bully her..... I understand that the pecking order needs to be established and kept in place.... my problem, is now this hen, once in the coupe, will go right to the nesting box and wont let the others in ( There are 2 boxes, but only 1 is used ). She is not being attacked to the point she is injured, but now I have to crawl in to the coupe (a 5x10 chicken tractor) to retrieve eggs because shes always in the nesting box. Is this something that will pass, or do I need to do something about this......if so, what the best approach? I appreciate everyones time....thanks

 

[Biologrady]

Can you place some other sheltered nest-box type structures around? She might just be seeking safety. Maybe put some straw in a tipped on its side milk crate or bucket, or maybe a pet carrier. Even if the other girls start laying in them, it might be easier to gather eggs and will make her less if a target.