new pullet sleeps alone in next box

chicknnugget

Chirping
7 Years
Sep 18, 2012
119
9
81
Mooresville NC
I have a new pullet how is half the size of her new coop mates ( Not sure her age/ maybe3-4 months old?). She has made friends with my Orpington but the EE and Wyandotte still stay seperate from her and her new allie the Orpington during the day. I have had her for about 2 weeks. She sleeps inside the coop with the other Ladies, but only in a nesting box. I tried to place her on the roost a night or two ago, but NOBODY was happy about that. The others seem ok with her in the nest. I go out around 7:00AM to pull her out of there before the butt kickings begins. I only have one roosting bar with room enough for about 2 more birds including her.. Not sure if she is happy in the nest or would she like to be up with the others on the roost? Is there a chance she may freeze all alone in a nest. Its been in the mid 20's at night so I have added lots of extra shaving, and my coop is small so i hope they are warming it up a little in there for her. Was wondering if I should keep trying to stick her on the roost or just let it alone? Was thinking maybe she is just not the right age to roost yet. Does anyone have any advice for me? Thanks so much in advance!
 
Not of all mine roost on the poles. (Silkie, Guineas, RIR's, DSL's, Dominique, and JG's) So it could be a preference thing. It will take them time to accept her and she will have to go through the pecking order. If she gets picked on much you can roll up a piece of bacon (non-cooked) and tie it with a string and hang it from the pen and that will give them something to pick at instead of her (styrofoam in big pieces works too). Hope this helps.
 
Hello and welcome to BYC
frow.gif
I think you should wait until it's dark in the coop and then put her on the roost as well. I did this with a few of my youngsters and it worked out well. Good luck!
 
Greetings from Kansas, chicknnugget, and
welcome-byc.gif
! Great to have you here! I agree with sumi - give it a try by placing her on the roost - it may take a few tries. If it doesn't work she may just be one of those who likes to ground roost. Good luck to you!
 
Thanks everyone for all the help! I will try again to set her on the roost after dark. The last time I tried that it did not go well. The first problem was she made so much of a racket when I picked her up she freaked everyone else out. When I place the crazy little thing up there swhe flapped around slaping the others who in turn attacked her for waking them up. (as well as being new) I just hope she is not getting too cold at night. Thanks for the bacon tip as well.Who's not happier when bacon is around right? I am making a big breakfast today and will hold some yummy bacon back.
 
Hello and welcome to BYC
frow.gif
I think you should wait until it's dark in the coop and then put her on the roost as well. I did this with a few of my youngsters and it worked out well. Good luck!
X 2 It will take time since she is smaller, but she will eventually be accepted.
 

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