Why is my five month old pullet hiding under the coop all day and then will roost at night inside with the others.I can`t see anything wrong with her and noone seems to be picking on her.When I through in some scraps she sticks her neck out as far as she can to get the food but will not come out.Any ideas what it could be?I`m new at this,there are nine other ladies and one rooster,all are same age and was raised togather.
hidiing chicken
I can't imagine. Maybe something frightened her? Or maybe she is just a little eccentric? Perhaps one of the other birds picks on her when you are not looking?
If the roo is getting horney, as most tend to at that age, she may be hiding from him. Also hens usually start to lay eggs at about 5 to 6 months and sometimes they will sort of hide. It is like they are not quite sure what to do. Ours acted funny when they started laying eggs, and they try to hide from the horney roo, so it could be one of those reasons she is hiding.
green04735,
You might want to look under there ... may be a pile of eggs she's been laying. Not a great idea to have a place where the birds go and can't be seen. Better to always know what's going on with the poultry.
Kelly in Moxee
Good point Kelly in Moxee. That chicken may be hiding more than just eggs in another week or so...
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CF
Thanks everyone for the info I`ll look tomorow and see its dark right now,I was watching today and the rooster is chasing them a little,she only done that those two days and has not done it since.