One hen always flying solo from the rest?

[la786]

Hello!

First time poster (but definitely not the last).

I am new to chicken farming. We have 4 hens about 11 weeks old. One of our hens (one of the leghorns, if that makes any difference), is always separate from the rest of the group. Is this just something that happens? Or has she been outcast from the group? I just want to make sure they're all happy and healthy.

Here's a picture of me and the forever solo flying, Miss Hilary.

 

[sourland]

She's most likely just an independent individual.

 

[Whispering_Raven]

I've had several Ms. Independents, and unfortunately they ultimately end up caught by a predator. I lost one this morning. :-( I've tried to keep my "strays" together, but it doesn't work. Just make sure she doesn't wander too far away and make sure you have her locked up at night.
Good luck!

 

[centrarchid]

Please post a picture of bird standing without being held. Make certain head visible so we can see how head is oriented. Does she fly up to roost with flockmates at night? I have an idea what might be going on.

 

[la786]

She does go with the rest of the flock at night. And we do keep them locked up in their coop at night, so we're not too concerned about any of them getting snatched by any predators (although we do have some raccoons that like to creep around at night). I think she's just independent like the other posters mentioned.

 

[centrarchid]

I have had a good number of birds for a good number of years and loners generally need to be scrutenized unless they are a stag or hen incubating a clutch of eggs. Picture showing bird in first post suggest head is being held in an odd manner unless bird is looking at something in sky.

 

[Vickilynn45]

My lone one is at the bottom of the pecking order and she gets picked on a lot. She is often off by herself and it makes me so sad. I try to make it up to her in little ways.

 

[mommasachs]

I have a loner girl and I am trying to figure out what to do with her. She is by far my favorite of my 4 girls but the others have taken to picking on her. (2 of the others) I am curious what others have to say on this matter. I don't want to get rid of her cause she is my girl.. but those other 3 stick together like glue and she gets picked on for having other interests. lol.

 

[la786]

She was just looking at the camera in that picture. Usually her head is straight on, unless of course, looking at something. She's not getting picked on by the others, and has been the first to defend herself against our dog (he doesn't chase or run after them, he just likes following behind them, nose to the ground, eating their fresh poop, I know... gross). Other than wandering away from the group when they're out in the yard, she seems happy. I'm starting to think she's just the brave one. The others tend to stay nearby the coop... she's on the porch trying to get inside.

 

[Vickilynn45]

She was just looking at the camera in that picture. Usually her head is straight on, unless of course, looking at something. She's not getting picked on by the others, and has been the first to defend herself against our dog (he doesn't chase or run after them, he just likes following behind them, nose to the ground, eating their fresh poop, I know... gross). Other than wandering away from the group when they're out in the yard, she seems happy. I'm starting to think she's just the brave one. The others tend to stay nearby the coop... she's on the porch trying to get inside.

Haha to the dog eating their poop- it is gross, but dogs will be dogs. My dog is fascinated with smelling their butts, he gets so frustrated that they won't hold still so he can sniff them. They are a bit miffed by the whole experience!