[jeannie]

One of my chickens was being bullied nastily by the other three.  All been bought up together and no trouble for 2 years.  So I separated her and made a little nesting box and run for her.  That was all a week ago and she is now fine during the day roaming around the garden keeping a wary eye on the others but at night she happily goes to the nesting box on her own.  My question is I haven't created a roosting bar for her so she is just hunkering down in her straw lined box.  I intend to make a better arrangement for her but that will take until next week (and of course the bullies may see the error of there ways).  Will sleeping in her straw nest instead of roosting harm her in any way? Any advice thank you.

[grinling]

Not really, but you will need to clean out the straw area daily.

[andy46]

I have four girls and two roost and two sleep in the nest box and they are fine.sometimes they change places to so i would not worry.

[nic_28]

one of my girls sleeps in the nest box. ite fine but does get messy more often.

[jeannie]

Thank you so much for your replies and advice - you have put my mind at rest.  And as I already clean our the sleeping area that is no problem.  As she is a big heavy hen I think possibly she is just as happy hunkering down.  The eye I thought she might have lost is now looking nearly as good as new just a bit of scarring but all now healed.  But she has got back her confidence and is working out her own strategies with me in the background just to keep an eye out on her behalf!  Thanks again for your help - I realize I am hooked on chickens with all their funny, quirky and down right nasty ways.  And the eggs well, there is nothing like them everything tastes and looks golden! Best wishes, Jeannie