Silkie Hen Will Not Leave The Coop

[rlr46]

Hello.
I have 10 hens of various breeds, 4 of which are silkies. Every morning I open the door and a line of 9 hens march out to enjoy our 2 acres (and some of the neighbor's yard There is one silkie who has never voluntarily left the coop. She is 4-months-old and I am starting to worry. I thought she may be doing this because we had a silkie rooster as well and the two were inseparable (in the coop together). We got rid of the rooster about 2 weeks ago and she has not changed her behavior. Does anyone have any clue what is going on? My other hens are out free-ranging for at least 8 hours a day eating blueberries and bugs (and my tomatoes!) and loving life.
Thanks!

 

[jak2002003]

How is that hen getting her food and water? If its inside the coop, perhaps put in outside and see if she comes out for it.

What happens when you put her outside? Does she join up with the other hens?

Finally I have a hen that is nearly blind. She does the same thing and I have to pick her up and put her outside, or just wait about an hour for her to come out on her own. Check your hens eyes are not too covered my her silkie feathers also.

 

[rlr46]

Thanks for the great suggestions! Yes She does join the others when I force her out. The food and water are in the coop and she does have quite a bit of feathers near her eyes. I never thought that she may not be able to see. Maybe I'll give her a little "haircut" and see if that helps.