Missing rooster :(

[OzarkChooks]

My main cockerel, Bruno, is always so attentive to the pullets and never leaves them. This morning I noticed he and a handful of the pullets we're missing. I called for them and no one came. Sometimes they wander off into the woods to forage so I didn't think too much of it. It's been several hours now and all the pullets are back. I've done a head count and the only one missing is Bruno. I know this probably means something got him. It has been pouring freezing rain all day so I didn't think it would be a hawk. Plus they all like to hang out under big bushy evergreens. No feathers anywhere. Has anyone had a rooster go missing and then find them alive? Or is it a safe bet he was killed?

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

If it's been freezing raining, he might be hiding under a bush to stay dry. I have heard of roosters disappearing for a day or two, then returning.

By any chance does he crow? That's often how I find my missing roosters. I go around crowing and listening. Sometimes they'll crow back, or just cluck because they think an intruding rooster is nearby. Or even making other rooster sounds going all over the place will make the rooster make a sound. Might be worth you giving a try?

 

[OzarkChooks]

Well I checked out a suspicious pullet and it looks like something pulled out a bunch of her feathers. I think Bruno got taken out while defending her. He was such a good boy.

 

[LaFleche]

Well I checked out a suspicious pullet and it looks like something pulled out a bunch of her feathers. I think Bruno got taken out while defending her. He was such a good boy.

Maybe try to find him? He could be injured needing help.

 

[JedJackson]

In my experience roosters will rarely leave their hens unless they go to visit the neighbor's hens. I am sorry but I don't think it is too hopeful for your guy.

 

[OzarkChooks]

My husband and I both looked for him. Walked through acres and acres of woods. Our other cockerel has been crowing a lot and no response from Bruno. Pretty sure he must be gone. I'm so bummed out because he was my favorite out of all 25 chickens.

 

[JedJackson]

My husband and I both looked for him. Walked through acres and acres of woods. Our other cockerel has been crowing a lot and no response from Bruno. Pretty sure he must be gone. I'm so bummed out because he was my favorite out of all 25 chickens.

I'm sorry you lost him. From what you've written, it seems like he had a very happy life.

 

[OzarkChooks]

Well, whatever got Bruno came back. One of my pullets is gone and left behind an explosion of feathers that trails off into the woods. All the chickens were hiding in different spots. I rounded them all up and put them in their coops. I don't know what to do. They basically free range. But I have heard whatever got them will keep coming back? I can't make a run overnight. Can I keep them in their coops tomorrow?

 

[3KillerBs]

I'm sorry you lost a good rooster and a pullet. If your coop is large enough you can leave them inside for a day or two while you make a run.

The fastest way to make a dog, raccoon, and/or coyote-proof run is electric net and a good, strong fence charger.

Any chance you could hatch some of Bruno's eggs too keep his good genetics in your flock?

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Well he is probably gone unless you have chicken freinds near by