I have an egger that's been missing for 3 weeks this past Wednesday. I've heard the stories of hens disappearing for around this same length of time only to come back with some chicks. Since feathers weren't all over the yard and there has been no predator sighting or attack since she's vanished I've been hoping she went off to hatch some eggs. I know next to nothing about hatching eggs or how mama hens act in the days after her eggs hatch. Do they hang around the nest for a few days before venturing further out? And returning to the coop? When should I start thinking "okay, she should have been back by now if she went to hatch eggs"? Assuming nothing got her if this is what happened. Thanks.