Hello

[VicRob]

Hi my name is Marie. I have had my chickens for 3 years now without much problems...until now. I had 8 chickens, 5 older chickens and 3 new that I added back in April. I was away for a week leaving plenty of water, food, greens and an open tunnel for roaming. I came back only to find the 5 older chickens with no trace of the 3 newer. This is not my first time leaving for vacation for a week. No predator has ever penetrated my coop for three years. I am a bit baffled. Any ideas as to what may have happened? Thanks.

 

[Chicken Lover <3]

They might have ran away I'm guessing it happens all the time to me. Where the elders pecking at new ones?

 

[Chicken Lover <3]

And welcome to BYC!

 

[Chicken Lover <3]

They ran away?

 

[KadeSilkies21]

If they are different ages then the older chickens could have been pecking and bullying the younger ones. Its best to mix chickens of around the same age so that they get along.

 

[Chicken Lover <3]

Where the older ones pecking at them?

 

[Chicken Lover <3]

 

[Chicken Lover <3]

Where the older ones pecking at them?

If they where pecking at them then they probably died or ran away

 

[VicRob]

Hi Thanks for replying. The two groups were brought together gradually. The older chickens would still peck from time to time. But as I stated, they were all inside the coop with no way out (except the latched door). This is what is troubling me. Thanks again.

 

[Chicken Lover <3]

Hmm