one bird not roosting

[jermoatc]

I have one hen that has decided to stop roosting on the roosting bars and is instead sleeping in the nesting box. She is only 16 weeks old and not laying yet so I dont think she could be broody or could she? There is plenty of room for her on the roosting bars should I be concerned?

 

[CCourson05]

Is she at the bottom of the pecking order? If so, sometimes, the hens push mine off... Just a possibility.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
That would be my first thought. She's at the bottom of the pecking order and is being bullied on the roost, so seeks sanctuary in the nestbox.

 

[jermoatc]

She is definitely at the bottom of the pecking order. I suspected that the other 6 may not be letting her up there but I suppose my question is is it detremental to her health to be on the ground?

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
No, but if you get really cold winters it would help her to roost and share body warmth. If she's using the same nestbox every day, you could just let her keep sleeping in it, but will have to clean the poop out every day so you don't have to deal with a bunch of dirty eggs.

 

[CCourson05]

Nah. Just chicken instinct to be high. I would add another roost. A smaller one. The other chickens will go to their higher one and the other girl can ride solo on her roost.

 

[jermoatc]

thanks all for your input. I appreciate it. this is a nice community.

 

[CCourson05]

No problem! It's what we are here for! And