Hen blocking entry

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smseverson

Songster
8 Years
Jul 3, 2016
30
28
109
West-Central Wisconsin
We just integrated our 6 babies (9 weeks old this week) in with our two older hens (2yrs-ish and 6yrs). They have been together almost 2 weeks and no major issues - thankfully! The 2 yr old RIR sleeps/roosts in the entry way of the coop. I bought a solar light to lure the babies into the coop - worked like a charm but the RIR (Julian) has started going to bed "early" and blocking the entrance. The babies will start to go up and she will go up and chase them away. I pulled out the chicken jail (wire dog kennel) and put her in there the last three nights until the babies are all in and settled, then I let her go to her usual place. Anyone have any suggestions on how to break this behavior AND how to get her from quit roosting in the doorway?? We don't have an electric door, it stays open all the time until bitter cold winter nights. Thanks in advance!
 
The RIR is just asserting her dominance. How it develops will depend partly on how the youngsters react. As they grow in stature they will probably grow in confidence too, and one or more may stand up to her in due course, which could break the habit. One or more may be especially timid and never enter the coop while the bully blocks the entrance. Most will probably resign themselves to running the gauntlet and getting a peck to remind them of their inferiority every night when they go to bed. For now, I would carry on doing what you're doing and let the youngsters develop the habit of going into the coop to roost and not start looking for alternatives to avoid the bully.
 
Perris said:
The RIR is just asserting her dominance. How it develops will depend partly on how the youngsters react. As they grow in stature they will probably grow in confidence too, and one or more may stand up to her in due course, which could break the habit. One or more may be especially timid and never enter the coop while the bully blocks the entrance. Most will probably resign themselves to running the gauntlet and getting a peck to remind them of their inferiority every night when they go to bed. For now, I would carry on doing what you're doing and let the youngsters develop the habit of going into the coop to roost and not start looking for alternatives to avoid the bully.
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This is a great point about growing in confidence. The RIR is not a big girl but I have two Orps who are well on their way to outgrowing the RIR and may just be enough to increase that confidence. Ugh - these girls LOL! I also wonder when molting time arrives and this RIR gets knocked down a few sizes. I appreciate your thoughts!
 

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