New flock… one odd hen out...

[blondechicky]

Hi everyone! Im stuck! I have four hens, they're new… all under a year old, and from what I understand, been laying for a few months. I have had them two months now, and one hasn't laid an egg since I got her. The other three have been laying an egg a day. She also seems to be bullied by the other three. I'm thinking of getting an alternate coop for her, but Im wondering if she will ever lay an egg! Help!! Thank you!!

 

[fannyshe123]

Hi everyone! Im stuck! I have four hens, they're new… all under a year old, and from what I understand, been laying for a few months.  I have had them two months now, and one hasn't laid an egg since I got her. The other three have been laying an egg a day.  She also seems to be bullied by the other three.  I'm thinking of getting an alternate coop for her, but Im wondering if she will ever lay an egg! Help!! Thank you!!

 

[fannyshe123]

Hi blondechickie , I too have some new girles ! Lol. I have three ladies that I have had just over a year, and just introduced five more, ( all banties). One of my old flock has been picking on one of the new girls, so I've put her in a small cage inside the coop, so she can't get at her, but I'm worrying now,,,,, Have I separated the right one? Should I just have left them all together??? They all seem ok apart from that and are laying already , I've only had them a week , can anyone help me please?? Thanx

 

[21hens-incharge]

Some hens can be to stressed to lay if others are picking on them. Knowing the breeds would help people to help you.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Quote:

This should be another thread.
If you click the start new thread button you can begin a new thread that way.

 

[blondechicky]

The one being picked on is an Orpington. She is big and seems to be eating ok… she gets chased around by the others if she tries to eat next to them while free ranging. In the coop, she stands on the water feeder to not be on the ground with the others. She also isn't allowed to perch at night next to the others. She sleeps in the nesting box. Hope this info helps! Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Buff Orpingtons are one of the more docile breeds there is. If I may ask... What are the other breeds? Some breeds can be much more dominant than others causing issues like this in a flock.
I have a few of the very dominant type and wish I did not. I love my Buff Orpingtons and yes mine is picked at too. Luckily I have some Black Australorp and one of those is in charge. She defends the BO a lot.
Not laying even though she has reached the age of laying can be an issue for her long term health.
I would look at re-homing her or the others if she is a favorite.
It will be hard on her either way since she will need friends and those can be hard to make.

 

[fannyshe123]

Hi I have Orpingtons

 

[blondechicky]

Thank you 21 I was thinking about rehoming her as well. We have a Rhode Island Red, a Plymouth rock and what looks like a Wyandotte. She may be happier without all the drama!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would re-home her as well. The other breeds you have are all very dominant types.
The ones I have that cause trouble for me are Wyandotte and Leghorn.
I wont even consider owning a Rhode Island Red or a Barred rock since I have so many other docile breeds in the flock.
It will be hard on her getting adjusted in a new flock since she is already used to being on the bottom. If you are choosy about her new home you may be able to find her one with younger hens (like around 8 weeks old or so) or with only other Buff Orpingtons.
She needs a chance to get her courage back poor girl.

Best wishes for ya'll

Babs