Missing flock?

[Elfie4306]

My chickens and turkeys have disappeared. We have two turkeys, they kind of watch over the "flock," there's only four hens, no roosters. They're usually a close knit little family, and this morning they were in the neighbor's yard, and my entire family is too socially awkward to try and herd them out of the yard, so we went back inside. They always come back to the coop at night. Anyway, when we came back out to close them up, only one, my most loyal chicken, she's the most bonded with us since I had to nurse her back to health, was there. She followed us around really closely, and when I went to pick her up, (which she usually skits away a little until I get a hold on her), she just made her little pickup pose, (what I call it when she gets ready for me to pick her up lol). She looked sort of shocked, and rested her head on my shoulder. We are also very bonded with our turkeys, and the chickens usually follow them around so I have no idea why they are gone. There's no feathers, it was noon, no signs of struggle. We just got like 8 eggs from them all together, all in the same box, so I don't think they're hiding their eggs, plus there are no roosters. All I know is that there is a house down the road that has chickens, and if they went there, they would notice cause the Tom turkey has a weird burst blood vessel on his neck, plus you know, there'd be two turkeys now too. (btw he was attacked by a dog, but he's been fine the last few days.

 

[proudchickenmom]

welcome to BYC! i am sorry about your losing your flock. i cant really help you with this but keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for any sign of your ladies. good luck!

 

[Mtnboomer]

Sounds like the work of a fox. My Aunt lost a turkey, 2 ducks, and 9 chickens in January to a red fox. They caught him in the act and dispatched him. He killed them one by one and stashed them in the near by woods and brush. It took him less than 12 hours.

 

[cmom]

It's hard to say where they went. Have you went to your neighbors? Something may have gotten them. Too bad you didn't herd them back into your yard. Predators are always lurking, looking for an opportunity. It appears they may have found your small flock.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

My chickens and turkeys have disappeared. We have two turkeys, they kind of watch over the "flock," there's only four hens, no roosters. They're usually a close knit little family, and this morning they were in the neighbor's yard, and my entire family is too socially awkward to try and herd them out of the yard, so we went back inside. They always come back to the coop at night. Anyway, when we came back out to close them up, only one, my most loyal chicken, she's the most bonded with us since I had to nurse her back to health, was there. She followed us around really closely, and when I went to pick her up, (which she usually skits away a little until I get a hold on her), she just made her little pickup pose, (what I call it when she gets ready for me to pick her up lol). She looked sort of shocked, and rested her head on my shoulder. We are also very bonded with our turkeys, and the chickens usually follow them around so I have no idea why they are gone. There's no feathers, it was noon, no signs of struggle. We just got like 8 eggs from them all together, all in the same box, so I don't think they're hiding their eggs, plus there are no roosters. All I know is that there is a house down the road that has chickens, and if they went there, they would notice cause the Tom turkey has a weird burst blood vessel on his neck, plus you know, there'd be two turkeys now too. (btw he was attacked by a dog, but he's been fine the last few days.

Hate to say it, but maybe your neighbors didn’t like your flock in their yard or maybe the dog that attacked your turkey a few days ago was able to get the whole flock.

 

[bobbi-j]

There are so many things that could have happened. They could have joined the flock down the road, they ocould have gotten eaten by a predator or the other neighbors got tired of your birds in their yard. Seriously - being "socially awkward" is not an excuse to not get your birds home where they belong. I hope your flock returns, and that you will properly contain them on your property if they do. "Good fences make good neighbors!"

 

[Elfie4306]

We got them all back except one, she is waaaaaaaaaay more dextrous than us. I'm honestly just glad to have my two birds though, (we have more, I just mean Lavender and Einsa). That last one was never friendly anyway. She always pecked at the other ones, so I think honestly it'll be better for the flock. We're getting our spring chicks on April 30th, and hopefully our last three will make good role-models.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

We got them all back except one, she is waaaaaaaaaay more dextrous than us. I'm honestly just glad to have my two birds though, (we have more, I just mean Lavender and Einsa). That last one was never friendly anyway. She always pecked at the other ones, so I think honestly it'll be better for the flock. We're getting our spring chicks on April 30th, and hopefully our last three will make good role-models.

Great, glad to hear the family is all at home minus the one!

 

[cmom]

Maybe make them a nice run/pen they can stay in and not roam away over into your neighbors yard. Letting them roam like that is a sure way to loose them and you don't want the older ones teaching the younger ones that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Predators are most always lurking about looking for an opportunity. You are very luck you didn't loose them all. Good luck and have fun...

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Maybe make them a nice run/pen they can stay in and not roam away over into your neighbors yard. Letting them roam like that is a sure way to loose them and you don't want the older ones teaching the younger ones that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Predators are most always lurking about looking for an opportunity. You are very luck you didn't loose them all. Good luck and have fun...

I totally agree, not everybody appreciate somebody else’s chickens on their property