Four of my chickens missing with no evidence of foul play.

[redbuffalo]

I have a flock of twelve birds who are free range by day, locked in coop by night. We usually put them to bed at sunset. We were out this afternoon and left them locked in the garden which they can jump the fence if they wish but usually will not as there is lots to eat along with good shade. We were out much later than had planned and rushed home to put our babies to bed. When we got home, 8 were sleeping soundly in the coop (door left open) and four are no where to be found. We scoured the back yard, no signs of feathers or foul play. However, cannot find our birds anywhere. We back up against a wooded area. Is there a chance they are snuggling down in the brush somewhere or up in a tree? I am a nervous wreck and feel horrible that I was not back on time to lock them in Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chicken Boo]

I have had a couple of mine attempt to roost in nearby trees instead of the hen house. Do not worry until morning when you see if they show up for breakfast.

 

[aceriderbetty]

I've had a few roost in a tree at night. They will usually get up pretty high so you might need a flashlight to see them in the dark. I hope they show up for breakfast in the morning.

 

[redbuffalo]

YEAH!!!!! They are all accounted for and fine!! My MIA rooster and one of his girls was tapping on the back door at 6:30 am looking very annoyed as if to say "the least you can do is feed us now that you left us out all night"The other two girls showed up shortly thereafter. Phew, so very relieved! Thanks for the support

 

[jerseygirl1]

Aw, that's good to hear!!

 

[rainbowgardens]

Just be careful the next few nights to be sure they go back to the coop. You don't want them getting the idea that sleeping in the great outdoors is the way to go.

 

[mikesbigroo]

better than being someones elses breakfast,,
Quote:

 

[Judy]

Ah, good news. This has happened to me a few times, not necessarily when I am late to lock them up. Never did know whey a particular hen chose to stay out all night, but she would be there in the morning waiting to get back together with her flock.

 

[juliect]

Quote:
Well...personally...if I were with my brothers & sisters ALL day & then locked in a small building with them ALL night...I would be tempted to stay out all night every now & again just for stress relief.

I had a near panic attack when my sisters came up with the idea of renting a big cabin Labor Day Weekend & have a THREE DAY family reunion. Don't get me wrong...I love my siblings, I will cry at their funerals, but I do NOT want to go on vacation with them

Redbuffalo, Glad all your MIAs made it safely back home. Yay!

 

[cmom]

Glad they made it back home safe and sound.