New bird will not come out of the coop....

[BethieofVA]

I have a new Cuckoo Marans hen who refuses to come out of the coop. Yes, she has gotten pecked on by the others to establish order. Yesterday, I physically went out and put her in the run. She sat on the roost most of the day. I am afraid she is not eating or drinking. I gave her some pellets, which she pecked and I saw her eat some snow. Will she come around when she is hungry and thirsty? The others are not as bad as the first day. I just want to make sure my Dottie will be okay.

Thanks, Beth

 

[jerseygirl1]

How long has she been in with them?

 

[Judy]

You may have to supervise a while longer, and it will help if there are more than one feed/water. Takes time, more sometimes than others. Glad she isn't being ripped up, at least. Little dinosaurs.

 

[Inkheart]

I had this and no one was picking on her - frankly she came in like she was queen bee- she ate and drank and was and is fine - she doesnt go out that much at all - she simply prefers to be inside - not sure if she wasnt used to free range as she came from a breeder - but she is just that way and she seems perfectly happy - they dont all like to be out i guess !

 

[teach1rusl]

As ddawn suggested, make sure there are more than one feeder/waterer available, preferably on opposite ends, so the new girl has an opportunity to get to them without being jumped on...

 

[BethieofVA]

I just went and checked on her. I hand fed her some food and dug out my little chick waterer and she drank. I think she will figure it out. I bawk at her and she sometimes talks back. LOL!! I think she is just nervous and her owner told me that ALL of her free range birds want to see in the coop this time of the year. I have a large run, partially covered, so lots of space. I think she just doesn't know what has happened!

 

[LindsayB]

I had this happen too when I brought home our red star. Our three girls would not let her out of the coop for the first week! such bullies.

I just gave her a small bowl of water that stayed in the coop and the feed bucket was already in there. they just have to establish the pecking order. Just make sure she has food and water in the coop with her and she'll be fine. It might a week or 2, or maybe more for them to work everything out. Good luck! Shes a pretty girl!

 

[moonlyghtegirl]

Quote:
Ditto...

I had a chicken that took three or four weeks to come out of the coop full time. Same situation, she was raised free range and when I got her she went into a 16 x 20 run with a roo and 8 other girls. She will adjust, or have a nervous breakdown...

 

[BethieofVA]

Well, the prima donna finally came out on her own this morning! The birds are pretty much leaving her alone, so I think all is good. Thanks everyone and Happy New Year!!!