Roosting issue

[debgoody]

we have six 1.5 year old chickens they all roost great, however we added 3 chicks to our flock this year. 2 barred rocks and 1 Easter eggers-when they joined the coup they refused to roost with the others and found a spot in the run that they would roost every night. For a few weeks now we push them in the coup and close it so they end up roosting with the others. But, it's been weeks and they still don't go in on there own. - the BR ended up being roosters so we unfortunately brought them back to the breeder and now left with the young Easter eager alone. Any ideas to help her be comfortable she spends almost the whole day roosting on a tree branch in the run-hops down for some food and jumps back up. At night We are stilll push her int the coup to roost otherwise she just roost in the Run alone Any suggestions??

 

[sourland]

It appears to have male specific pointed hackle feathers, but EE can be deceptive. Pointy saddle feathers would confirm the joint feeling that you have a cockerel.

 

[Gray Farms]

Its a cockerel

 

[lilmillefleur]

Sorry, that's a cockerel. Looks like your problem solved itself :/

 

[Wyorp Rock]

That's why I asked for another photo I was thinking cockerel myself, but wanted a closer look.
Do you have a photo of the whole body - preferably a "side" view similar to what my avatar looks like?

 

[Ridgerunner]

How old is that chick? How big is your coop and how is it laid out, photos might help.

Unless that EE is laying, that sounds pretty normal, especially if the coop is fairly small. Until she matures enough to force her way into the pecking order she is going to be afraid of the older hens. For good reason, if she invades their private space they might peck her. Mine are particularly vicious about this as they are settling down to sleep. During the day she is avoiding the adults. It sounds like you have had a very successful integration, it's just that this can be what a successful integration looks like, especially if the coop and/or run is fairly small.

So what can yo do? As aggravating as it is, I'd suggest keep doing what you are doing. Put her in every night. She is not being hurt and she is safe in the coop at night. If you feel your run is predator proof enough you could let her sleep in the run, but there may be a risk there.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I vote Cockerel. Will you be able to keep him?
@sourland ?

 

[HuskerHens18]

I agree cockerel. I have 4 month old EE cockerels and their combs are smaller than yours. Yours is absolutely gorgeous though, I'm jealous
All my 4 month olds won't roost and I've got a ladder that's always empty, so maybe it's just an age thing and he'll brave up when he's older like the others said.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm not very good at gender, especially in breeds that I don't own, but it does look
male-ish

@debgoody are you allowed to keep roosters where you live? Since you have older hens they will likely keep him in "check" until he gets some age on him. I like the muff and coloring.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

There's no quick and easy way to solve this. You will have to continue to put her in the coop until she matures more and finally gains the confidence to be part of the "flock". Usually around point of lay.