- May 11, 2008
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I'ave had my chickens for a year, 11 chickens that free range in my acre yard (with plenty of cover) and I have never lost one yet, but late yesterday one went missing. I wasn't too worried as I have a couple of problem chickens that sometimes will work on finding a way over or under the fence, but they never go far. They walk outside the fence until I see them and bring them in. I had been at a dressage clinic all day, and it was pouring rain, and when I got back they were all here, and when I went to lock them in their coop at night and did a head count, one of these two "problem chooks" was missing. I called and looked, and couldn't find it, but was still hopeful. But I haven't seen it all morning. That doesn't mean it hasn't gone walkabout, because it tends to be a loner chicken, but I am heartbroken if it is really gone. I know of course that it is dangerous to let them free range, but I've had them all a year without a single loss, and I know even people who have their chickens in runs can lose them to a determined predator. I have a six foot fence and a German Shepherd watchdog and good natural overhead cover from hawks and I lock them all up at night and so far it has worked. I have always felt that it was worth it for them to have a free range life, if I could give them a relatively safe one, but it will be really hard to lose a hen that I have been fond of for a year. I'm still hopeful that she will come back. I haven't seen so much as a feather, yet, so at least I haven't found a body or a spill of feathers. We have foxes here and raccoons and hawks of course, but I would think at least with the latter two , there would be some sign.