My hen is afraid of her coop after a possem got in.

[Wendi Hardesty]

Poor girl had a possem all night in her coop but it didn’t hurt her but now she’s afraid of her coop. She been my only chicken for 2 years now and has seem fine, laying eggs and free ranging daily. Now Panics every evening looking for another place to sleep. I’ve been holding her then making her go in but I feel so bad! She’s trying to come inside my house but I don’t want to start that. Any advice please?

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Live trap and a can of cat food

 

[50-45-1]

She is untrustful of the coop since she was scared by a preditor in there.
Why do you only have one?
Have you reinforced the structure? Will she be safe now?
She is by herself, a scarry thing for your bird as they are naturally flock animals.
I would very soon start looking for a companion hen to keep her company, or rehome her where she can live amongst other chickens.
You may have to continue to place her in the coop for some time until she settles down.
I feel bad for your chicken.

 

[Wendi Hardesty]

My husband caught the possem but my girl Lucy is still afraid. Been over a week now!

 

[Wendi Hardesty]

She is untrustful of the coop since she was scared by a preditor in there.
Why do you only have one?
Have you reinforced the structure? Will she be safe now?
She is by herself, a scarry thing for your bird as they are naturally flock animals.
I would very soon start looking for a companion hen to keep her company, or rehome her where she can live amongst other chickens.
You may have to continue to place her in the coop for some time until she settles down.
I feel bad for your chicken.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Welcome to BYC! I feel bad for her! maybe trap her in the coop? Also look for any entry holes

 

[Wendi Hardesty]

I had 2 others but a hawk got one, a owl got the other. She’s been the only one for 2 years now and thinks my 2 westie dogs and myself are her flock. Losing the others where very hard and my husband doesn’t want anymore. She is 6 now.., I will give her to someone with more chickens if she will adapt. She was the leader of the others and a loner. Thank you for helping me.

 

[50-45-1]

Your husband caught the possum, but there are lots more chicken eaters were that came from.
Is the coop fixed?

 

[Wendi Hardesty]

Welcome to BYC! I feel bad for her! maybe trap her in the coop? Also look for any entry holes

 

[Wendi Hardesty]

Her coop is sercure now! I’m putting her in every night and once I do she settles down. It’s just the hour before dusk that she panics.