Missing my first hen :(

[nekomi]

My birds free-range on my 3 acres during the day, and are locked securely in their coop at night. I'm home all day, and constantly walk the property while doing chores - and I also own four noisy Husky mixes that keep most wildlife off my property (they are housed in pens outdoors, they are sled dogs). So, I've never really had to worry much about my hens free-ranging.

Tonight when I went to shut the girls up in their coop, I noticed one was missing - a White-Crested Polish. I delayed shutting the coop for another couple hours in the hopes she might return, but she didn't.

Has anyone had this happen and had their hen return in the morning? Might she have gotten a little lost, or roosting somewhere in the woods around our property? Are there any "signs" I can look for that might let me know if a predator has taken her?

Thank you for any advice, it's much appreciated... I'm so distraught over my missing girl and I hope she shows up in the morning.

 

[Shannon's Chix]

Sorry I don't have any advice but I'm praying your girl comes back safely...

 

[rmc85]

Dont lose hope yet! She might be roosted in a tree or somewhere else...

If they are not any feathers around she might be safe and sound

 

[crazy huhn]

Oh no. One of my first hens is sick right now and I know how you are feeling. I am crossing my fingers for you and your girl that she will show up again.

 

[NotTheMomma]

How old is she? Is it possible she has a nest somewhere and is brooding?

Otherwise, with no feathers, do you have hawks? Did the dogs make any noise at all, or would they if another dog/fox/coyote came into the yard?

 

[nekomi]

SHE IS HOME!!!

I walked outside just now to open the coop and she was wandering aimlessly around the barn. I have no idea where she spent the night, but she is incredibly jumpy this morning - can't say I blame her!

I am so happy and relieved! Thank you, everyone, for the prayers!

 

[crazy huhn]

That is so great to hear!!!! Happy Weekend!

 

[tellynpeep]

Same thing happened to me last night! My Blue Andalusian decided to spend the night somewhere up in the trees (I guess..) This morning she was waiting at my front door when I got up and went to let out the other girls.

 

[nekomi]

You guys won't believe it, but she's gone again! Didn't return to the coop. I'm assuming she's just decided to roost elsewhere? I'm guessing she is in the rafters of my horse barn because I found a nest and a white egg in the straw when I poked around tonight, but despite a lot of looking and calling for her, she didn't appear from her hiding spot.

Is this fairly normal or is something wrong? There is always plenty of roost space, and the hens all get along very well.

 

[Zahboo]

Could she have a nest somewhere? Maybe setting up to go broody, I don't know how broody polishes are.
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