Lone Hen

[Mallorya662]

Hello,

I have a handful of chickens I have raised over the past year just as pets with the side advantage of eggs. They all seem fine and healthy, however my largest hen Maple has recently (over the last two weeks) been going into the woods by herself and staying away for days at a time, usually only coming out mid afternoon. I'm currently watching her and she seems normal, scratjbg around, eating bugs. Her feathers are normal and her disposition seems fine. Is there any reason she would go off on her own for so long? I thought a nest but she isn't sitting on one currently so I'm not sure how broody she is.

I'm not sure if I should be concerned or just let her live her life.

Any help would be great,
Thanks

 

[starri33]

have you followed her into the woods and watched where she's gone? it sounds like she's got a nest stashed in there.

 

[Mallorya662]

That's what I thought! I followed her and watched her for an hour, but she just pecked around and ate bugs. We have palmetto bunches everywhere, so I'm thinking it may be in one of those

 

[starri33]

She's probably waiting to go to the nest till you turn your back, if you can poke around in those bushes without getting tore up, I would check them out, it's not really normal I don't believe for a hen to wander off on her own just to eat bugs.

 

[aart]

been going into the woods by herself and staying away for days at a time, usually only coming out mid afternoon..... I thought a nest but she isn't sitting on one currently so I'm not sure how broody she is.

The nest is out in the woods...if she's gone at night she's likely setting a nest and will return in 3 weeks with a bunch of chicks in tow.

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