HELP! CHICKEN MISSING!

[Chickens4Life101]

So we recently had a fox enter our chicken's ranging area. We counted the chickens and two of them were missing. 2 days later, one of them returned back to the other chickens. But the other (Maracas, an ameraucana) has not returned. There is no sign of feathers anywhere. The first night that she was missing, the temp was below 0. She may have frozen to death, but the other chicken survived the cold, and the other one was younger than Maracas. Also, she is very cold tolerant and does not mind the freezing temperatures. Maracas has always been very adventurous, and there is a chance that she wandered off too far and cannot find her way back home. There is also a chance that she has not returned home because she feels that it is not safe. Also, she has always been very good at foraging for food. But I really need to figure out what happened to our sweet girl. It is very hard to lose her, for she is one of our favorites. Does anyone have any ideas on what happened to her?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

No feathers or anything around?

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Based on my experience, I'd guess it was the fox...but I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

If you usually bang a pail or whatever for treat time, you could possibly go out there and start banging the pail and hope she hears it and return the call....... neighbors might report to the cops but hey, if they show up that's more people to help you in your search for your hen.

 

[Chickens4Life101]

If you usually bang a pail or whatever for treat time, you could possibly go out there and start banging the pail and hope she hears it and return the call....... neighbors might report to the cops but hey, if they show up that's more people to help you in your search for your hen.

We whistle for treats, and we already tried whistling to find her. But it didn't work. Thank you though!

 

[Chickens4Life101]

No feathers or anything around?

Nope. No feathers anywhere

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Nope. No feathers anywhere

Sounds like a larger predator took her then; coyote, domestic dog, bobcat, etc.

 

[50-45-1]

The cold did not killl her. Chickens are built to tollerate cold weather.
99% sure the fox grabbed her. I am sorry.
You want to have happy chickens and free ranging is a joy to them and us, but the reality is Everything Eats Chicken, and if you offer it they will come.
The reason i succussfully free range is, i accept i will loose a few, i have 3 guardion dogs outside all day and a small flock of guineas to sound the alarm.
Without those things i would be wiped out within a week.
I have red and grey fox, coyote, bobcat, racoon, possum, neighbors dog, hawks, owls, ferrel cats, weasel, just to name the most prevelent muraurding varmints in my area.
Keeping chickens is a constant battle.
build a secure coop and run and maybe a few hours of free ranging before dark when you are home.
Good luck!

 

[Chickens4Life101]

Ok, now our white silkie bantam is missing!! We were gone most of the day and we have NO idea what happened. Her feathers come off very easily, but there weren't any feathers anywhere. What do y'all think happened to her?? She is our favorite, and this is going to be a very hard loss for us.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Ok, now our white silkie bantam is missing!! We were gone most of the day and we have NO idea what happened. Her feathers come off very easily, but there weren't any feathers anywhere. What do y'all think happened to her?? She is our favorite, and this is going to be a very hard loss for us.

Sounds like a larger predator took her and ran. They sometimes leave no evidence. Think coyote sized.