One not roosting with the rest

[Bowchicks]

I have 4 chickens. One is being harassed by the other three. They peck at her, she squats on the ground when near them. During the day, the three stay together and she wanders around completely by herself. Then at night, the three roost together on a bar outside and she roosts by herself in the coop. Doesn't seem right! What should I do?

Note, they are new to us just 3 weeks ago. Originally, there were five but we were only able to take 4 home as the 5th never returned to roost the night before we got them.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

She is probably bottom hen unfortunately, nothing you can really do, except get more chickens, but than someone else would be bottom bird and your picked on hen would suddenly have someone to pick on herself. There's always a bottom bird.

 

[Bowchicks]

Originally she was roosting with them.....now not. Can things change around that quickly?

 

[Bowchicks]

Geez, they are brutal. It's odd because she used to at least roost with them, now she stays completely separate.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Unfortunately yes. If a individual acts scared it generally causes more aggression and it can become a vicious cycle. I personally don't step in unless blood is being drawn. Sometimes it resolves for no apparent reason, and sometimes the hen stays alone. The pecking order can change, so you never know.

It is an instinct to keep the weak on the outskirts, probably because it would attract predators, and this way the strong get the best resources. Chickens definitely can be brutal, but they are only following their instincts.

 

[aart]

Do you have good space and feed for them?

More details and some pics might help us help you find a solution.