New Chicken wont go in the coop at night..HELP

[Sandra Verbreyt]

I had 2 silkies and one died. The remaining one Margo was lonely so we bought her a friend. They get on very well together but the new chicken has to be caught and placed in the coop at night. Although her wings have been clipped she still flies and I have to go looking for her every night in order to put her away safely. She is not a silkie by the way but another small breed. Once in the coop she settles down and goes to sleep but she doesnt go in of her own accord. She follows Margo around the garden all day but unfortunately does not follow her to bed at night. What can I do to encourage her to go into the coop when Margo goes in and the day is done? HELPFUL advice anybody

 

[azygous]

To be certain she isn't facing any bullying when trying to roost, observe when you place your new hen in the coop. You just need to rule it out as a cause for the new hen's reticence.

That said, her behavior is completely normal. She is fully aware of her status as newcomer, and that makes her hesitant to go inside. You need to continue to place her inside until she gets into the habit of sleeping inside.

She may even anticipate your helping her into the coop and will come to you rather than making you chase her. Try that. A new chicken will look upon you as a protector and she probably already has a bond with you that you didn't realize.