bantam pullet/hen keeps wandering :(

[mudpaw]

One of my small flock has disappeared yesterday evening/late afternoon and has done it again today! Last night I finally found her with a flashlight roosting in a tree just over the fence at my neighbors. She was essentially right behind the hen house, just on the wrong side of the fence (There are a couple small gaps that she can apparently get through-she's a bantam, my other girls are standards). I figured it was just an accident and she couldn't find her way back, but she has done it again!!!! I can't find her this time though

For months now she has been in the hen house by sun down with everyone else like clockwork....why this all of the sudden ? She's my favorite (she's a very very friendly little self-blue belgian-she even cuddles). I did get my first two eggs from these girls this week...not sure who was laying them though. Could it be that since I took the eggs (and if she laid them) she is feeling that where she's laying is not safe enough? I don't know :C Has anyone else ever had this happen?

 

[Domestic_goddess]

I've never had this happen...but it sounds like she's a little confused on where to find her coop at night. I would keep her locked up for a few days and get her use to her surrounds again. I don't know if that helps, Good luck!

 

[mudpaw]

Quote:
I just don't understand why all of the sudden though...

If she comes back, I'll try anything.

 

[newchickengirl]

I have a BO hen that has been doing this same thing all this week. Our coop is right beside a shed and instead of sleeping in the coop she tries to sleep under the shed. Ive had to wait until it is dark and get her and put her in. Ive just found out today the reason. I have a roo that is basically having his way with her and she refuses to let it happen so she will not go in...Could this be the same problem that you may be having? A roo?

 

[jeslewmazer]

They do weird things sometimes. But it could be a rooster, confusion (even if she knows where to go she might not could figure out how to get back in the fence), or trying to find a safe place to lay. If she is not to high try getting her at night out of the tree and putting her back up. When she is back you could watch and see if see runs from her roo, if so that is probably the problem. If it is the safe egg thing you could try getting a nest box that is very dark inside. I would have roaming hens that latter come back with a clutch of chicks.

 

[mudpaw]

Hmmm..I don't have a roo, girls only (I'm in the city). Last night she was only about 4' off the ground (in a line of red ceders along he fence line)...I couldn't find her this evening though (I found her after about an hour last night-I must have looked like a burglar-shining a flashlight all along the fence and in the trees and shrubs )

 

[Sequin]

I don't want to worry you, so I won't tell you my experience; however, when she returns I would keep her locked up for a few days. Then only free-ranging under supervision. Meantime, go around and make sure there are no holes in/around the fence that she can pop through/under while free-ranging. Also, around dusk when the chickens are starting to gather to retire for the night, go out there with scratch grain or some other delightful treat and call to them so they are all there. Once she hears the call and understands it means goodies she will come a runnin' for the night-time treat and it will be easy to get her to roost in the correct coop.

Wishing you the very best of succes!!