Shelbye720
In the Brooder
- Sep 29, 2020
- 9
- 29
- 15
Hi! First post here! This year we decided to get into the chicken hobby and it’s been quite a fun (and sad) adventure. My pullets have (or are close) to reaching egg laying maturity. They had been spending all their time in their coop and attached run. We live in the country on 5 acres, and last week decided to let them out during the day to roam. At first they did great, staying near their coop or at least within eyesight. After about a week of this, last Sunday they suddenly just vanished. We couldn’t find them anywhere! A few hours later they reappeared. 4 of the 6 appeared near the coop and I returned them to the coop. The other 2 I could see off in the distance, but we’re far enough away that I decided to just wait for them to come closer/return in the evening to roost. Well, they roamed off and never returned home! I’ve looked everywhere, and the neighbor checked her place. It’s been 2 nights now with no sightings. Should I just assume they’re gone to be coyote food? If I lost 2 within a week of free ranging should I even bother letting them out??? I love having them out and know it’s a natural risk but didn’t think it would happen this quickly.