one hen gets "booted out" of the flock, why?

[brownie]

I was wondering if anyone can tell me why one of our hens has been "booted out" of the flock? I noticed a few days ago when I closed up the hen house for the night that one was missing. The next morning I went out and found her outside the pen looking healthy, but why did she stay outside? This is not normal. Since then( it's been about three nights),she hasn't been back with the flock, but she comes back once in awhile to visit. I have no idea where she's sleeping; what's going on? Any ideas?

 

[ninny]

i would check her over very carefully. she may be sick and the others know it. so they kicked her out so the preds would be attracted to her therefore saving the rest of the flock. or so they dont get it. or she doesn't get along with the boss hens and they are shunning her.

 

[gritsar]

She's of laying age? And are they free-ranging?
You might want to make the effort to find out exactly where it is she's been going and sleeping. You're liable to find a nest of eggs she's tending to.

 

[horsejody]

Maybe it's their version of a reality show, "Chicken Survivor," and she was voted out of the tribe.

 

[brownie]

I haven't seen her today, so maybe a predator has gotten to her. It's very sad; I miss her!
I have yet to find where she's been "hanging out." She is an egg-layer, so maybe there are some eggs somewhere... I hope she comes back!