[Robert]

Hi

A couple of months back we acquired 2 new hens as growers. Since going outside they have been living in a separate run within the main run so they could see and be seen by the existing hens. The new girls are now about 17 weeks old so we are trying to mix them all in together.

They happily get along together during the day without problems, no fighting or bullying and if let out they all go around together as a group.

The problem is at bedtime one of the youngsters simply refuses to go up with all the others. After the others are all in bed she will be found roosting alone on the fence. For a few nights now I've popped her in  hoping she would get the message but each night she does the same thing.

I'm not sure what to try next. Previous introductions have always followed the herd. This one seems a bit too independent.

Any suggestions much appreciated!

Thanks

[blulagoo]

Give her a cuddle and read her a story as you take her into the coop!  
Actually mine don't go in until it is getting really dark, so perhaps she doesn't like going to bed early?

[treacleminer]

so perhaps she doesn't like going to bed early?

Obviously a teenager :roll:

[hookfarmchickens]

Hi, New hens have to be imprinted to the new house by being shut in for a good 24, maybe even 48 hours. If ths means introducing them to existing hens then all of them have to be shut in, new and old. It sounds harsh, but it concentrates their mind. If it does not work the first time you let them out, then shut them in again. It will work! Alison

[Robert]

Thanks, I'll try shutting them all in.

I've done that before when they were all new but past introductions have taken their lead from the others.

I think part of the problem is this one doesn't want to go to bed as early as the rest so she doesn't follow them to roost.

Thanks again.

[Porffor]

Mine don't go to bed till quite late, but they do go.. i had to sit on fox watch for a while though and let it get REALLY dark for them to actually make the move to bed.. now they'll go around 10pm. It was 10.20pm when I used the tough love tactics! lol

[blossom1044]

Madras (RIR) won't go to bed until the very last minute and she'll make sure all the others are in.  she also gives it large and tries to roost on the fence.  Though she does go in eventually - we have to be patient and do the fox watch.