Do chickens have any homing instincts ?

[thescarab]

I'm very new to raising chickens and have recently acquired 4 x 12 week old
chickens.

Yesterday a stray black labrador wandered into out yard and my little flock
scattered.

3 of them have returned but one is still missing and spent all of last night out
alone.

Can anyone please let me know if she is likely to return - we have spent hours
looking in the local fields without success.

Thanks - Marcel

 

[kstaven]

Most times they return. Chickens like to be with their flock mates. A scared chicken may run for cover and take a day or so to return, barring other unforseen complications.