Missing Hen

[Hensley Flock]

I have a rhode island red hen, Merida who is just about nine months old, and I’ve lost her!
I let the chickens free range during the day then do a head count at night before closing up the coop again and about two-to-three nights ago she went missing. My mother swears she hears her under the house, but I haven’t heard a thing?
The rooster, Phillip, went directly into the coop which is what worried me. He’s one to make sure ALL of the hens and guineas are safe and located before he heads in.
But besides that, I’m worried! She’s done this before, but it was just overnight and she showed up fine the next day; but this time no such luck. We do have a lot of chicken hawks out here, but we have a few big dogs (not sure if it’s enough protection at all). She’s one of my very first hens and I’m worried shes been killed.
If anyone has any ideas or insights about where she may have gone or if there is even a chance she’s alive please help xx

 

[BlueBaby]

Since your mother thinks that she hears the hen under the house, maybe she has gone broody and has a hidden nest under there.

 

[Hensley Flock]

Since your mother thinks that she hears the hen under the house, maybe she has gone broody and has a hidden nest under there.

That was indeed her first feeling, she’s always in the nesting boxes in the coop!

 

[BlueBaby]

That was indeed her first feeling, she’s always in the nesting boxes in the coop!

Maybe that's it then. She wanted to hide her eggs in a nest that she made under the house? Is there a way that you can check so that your mind will be at ease?

 

[Hensley Flock]

Maybe that's it then. She wanted to hide her eggs in a nest that she made under the house? Is there a way that you can check so that your mind will be at ease?

Tomorrow i can definitely get a flashlight and crawl under there, thank you. I’ve gotten too attached to my babies aha

 

[Butterscotchbitesfinger]

Agree with @BlueBaby
Is there any where else she could be sitting on eggs at?
If so I recommend doing a scout of your backyard

 

[Hensley Flock]

Agree with @BlueBaby
Is there any where else she could be sitting on eggs at?
If so I recommend doing a scout of your backyard

Unfortunately we have 11 acres out here, we think she’s hiding in a field behind the coop and switching out with another hen every few days

 

[Ducksandchickens]

Try getting some friends to help search your 11 acres. It is possible that a predator got her so also look around for feathers and if there was any mud near the coop check for prints

 

[HeiHeisMom]

I miss our Merida!