One hen has stayed out of the coop for the last two nights....why??

[mswillow]

I have two different age groups of hens. They are only about two weeks apart in age, however, mixing them together in the coop was a process. I ended up putting a roosting pole on the opposite end of the coop from the older hens and the younger ones preferred to be there. After several weeks some of the younger ones roosted with the older girls and some of the older girls roosted with the younger ones. Everything was going well, no problems. Well, I decided to take down that roosting pole just because it was in the way and now one of the girls has decided to stay out for the last two nights. This is the only thing that I have changed and I just can't imagine that she is staying out for this reason. Could it be that she just doesn't want to roost with the rest of the flock?

 

[fshinggrl]

Where does she normally roost? Perhaps she was always on the new roosting bar. Is there enough room for everyone on the old one? IF it isn't a big deal, I'd put it back up.

 

[mswillow]

I think she was one of the girls that roosted on that particular roost. There is plenty of room on the opposite end. I have a ladder type roost that has five poles. The top two is where everyone likes to go but there is still plenty of room for her there. I am going to put the other roost back tonight and see what happens., I just find it odd but if it keeps her in the coop than that's what I'll do. Thanks!

 

[mswillow]

I put the roost back up for the last two nights and she still won't come to the coop at night. She is in the yard every morning waiting for me to let the other chickens out. I don't know what to do!