Missing chicken!

[Thataussielady]

I have a free ranging flock and they usually wander around my backyard where it is thick with bushes. This morning I noticed that one of my laying pullets was missing. I checked everywhere for her in the bushes and even out on the road but no sign. My cockerel and other hens don't seem phased by her disappearance at all. She has always been a wanderer so I think maybe she might have wandered off but I can't be sure. They are no feathers anywhere, so there doesn't seem to be any kind of struggle. Where I live we don't get foxes and rarely stray dogs/cats. I am really confused of what has happened as this is similar to my cockerel who went missing a few months ago, although my hens where quite distressed when he was missing.

 

[WhatRooster]

Perhaps she's hanging out nearby quietly brooding?

 

[Eggcessive]

I have had that happen a couple of times before, and suspected a raccoon or dog may have taken them. Recently one disappeared leaving no feathers, and showed up 25 days later with 7 chicks, LOL. I hope you find her, but I would mark the date, and look for her in 3 weeks.

 

[WhatRooster]

I have had that happen a couple of times before, and suspected a raccoon or dog may have taken them. Recently one disappeared leaving no feathers, and showed up 25 days later with 7 chicks, LOL. I hope you find her, but I would mark the date, and look for her in 3 weeks.

Yes, that's hopefully what will happen! After 3 weeks, they'll come strolling back like nothing ever happened.
Otherwise, if there's no evidence of predators,...you might have to start giving one of your neighbors the STANK EYE!!

 

[Thataussielady]

Sorry that I didn't keep you updated but around half an hour ago we found her in the bush. I think she may have been about to start brooding because she was in a sitting position. Unfortunately I think a cat may have came because it wasn't a nice sight to see. There were no feathers or anything else that looked like a struggled but half of her head was missing. I'm fairly sure it was a cat as it looked almost surgical. We've locked the flock away. Since this is our second chook to be taken I think we might put up a run for them. Thank you everyone for your help!

 

[Eggcessive]

Oh so sorry for your loss. I let my chickens free range all day long every day until dusk, and that will occasionally happen. Mine like to go into the woods a little, and that is always scary.