Antisocial chicken?

[juliaschickens]

I have 6 hens, 4 isa browns, 1 buff orpington, and 1 black sex link. They are approximately 15-16 weeks old. One of the isa browns seems to be antisocial? Whenever we free range them, they are always all together, except for that one hen. She goes off and finds bugs on her own. She's a little smaller then the rest, so I'm thinking this may be a pecking order thing. I don't see them physically bullying or pecking her though.. any thoughts on this?

 

[lcertuche]

How long have you had her? Pecking order exist in every flock. Sometimes when introducing a new bird it will be a few days or even a few months before it works itself out. I had one little pullet that the other pullets were shunning but when I got a rooster she started hanging out with him and although he preferred the other pullets he let her stay with him and the rest of the flock. When introducing new chickens try to keep several new ones together for a few day (or weeks) before adding to the coop. Also, try to do it after dark.

 

[Pork Pie]

I have one hen who prefers her own company. She is mid ranking in the pecking order, so it suggests that has little influence. Them's chickens for ya

 

[RoosterCogburn7]

I have 6 hens, 4 isa browns, 1 buff orpington, and 1 black sex link. They are approximately 15-16 weeks old. One of the isa browns seems to be antisocial? Whenever we free range them, they are always all together, except for that one hen. She goes off and finds bugs on her own. She's a little smaller then the rest, so I'm thinking this may be a pecking order thing. I don't see them physically bullying or pecking her though.. any thoughts on this?

I have seen that before too. Some are more flock oriented, others are curious and want to explore various things on their own. Just like God blessed some people with an inquisitive nature, the same applies to animals. I wouldn't stress over it.

 

[lcertuche]

The only thing I would worry about is the predator thing. She may not hear the alarm when something is threatening her. Of course this would be a problem free ranging but otherwise if they aren't hurting her and she knows to watch out then she may be fine.

 

[juliaschickens]

How long have you had her? Pecking order exist in every flock. Sometimes when introducing a new bird it will be a few days or even a few months before it works itself out. I had one little pullet that the other pullets were shunning but when I got a rooster she started hanging out with him and although he preferred the other pullets he let her stay with him and the rest of the flock. When introducing new chickens try to keep several new ones together for a few day (or weeks) before adding to the coop. Also, try to do it after dark.

We've had them all together since they were 2 weeks old. I think she may just be an independent girl lol.

 

[juliaschickens]

I have seen that before too. Some are more flock oriented, others are curious and want to explore various things on their own. Just like God blessed some people with an inquisitive nature, the same applies to animals. I wouldn't stress over it.

Yes, I hope so. Thanks, this was very helpful!