Another Possible Purpose for Crowing

[centrarchid]

Last night I had the adult dogs penned up so I had exclusive control over a pup I am training to help with chickens. Red Fox that constantly probes came in after chickens as they were coming off roost. He got one hen. One hen flew across a field into a tree and two others I cannot account for. It appears they flew some distance away. The rooster took some feather loss and possibly a bite to the back. He is staying close to the roost area and crowing a lot more than typical. I think the frequent crowing from a fixed location may help the wayward hens find their way home.

 

[theoldchick]

Hopefully they will come home.

 

[orloffer]

So sorry about the fox attack! I hope the hens come home safely. That is an interesting theory too, about the crowing. I definitely agree it sounds likely.

 

[centrarchid]

Second hen came moments ago. Black Aseel hen only one not accounted for.

Hen lost is this one. Image from last year when we were trying elevated nests.

 

[Jenessa_096]

Did any more come back?

 

[Perris]

sorry about your lost hen(s); hope the Aseel came back

I think the frequent crowing from a fixed location may help the wayward hens find their way home.

Interesting hypothesis. I shall pay more attention next time it happens here.

 

[centrarchid]

One additional bird did come back. That was all some time ago.

 

[Perris]

sorry, missed the date

 

[Jenessa_096]

One additional bird did come back. That was all some time ago.

Thanks for the update. How long did it take for them to start laying again?

 

[centrarchid]

Bird lost not in lay. Another was broody and a pullet had not yet come into lay. They do not represent a layer flock, just yard ornaments. Layers are around barn area.

I suspect stress not as bad when birds outside at low density when compared to a larger number of confined birds where egg production can be interrupted.