Mother & Chicks Leaving at Night

[Foundlovefarms]

Hi All,

Our mother hen just hatched three beautiful chicks last week (Thursday) and they have been hanging out in the coop and around the yard since Monday when they came outside. They stick together and stay close to the coop. The chickens, Easter Eggers, are free-range (four ladies and a gentleman) and they all seem to get along.

Last night, when we came home about 5:30pm we had noticed that Mother and babies were nowhere to be found. We searched and never did find them. This morning, around 7:30am, they wandered back to the coop. I thought this was a one-time thing. Today, the same thing has happened.

Any ideas on what is happening? Why are they leaving at night and not returning home to the coop? We have never had troubles with this with the adult chickens, they come home well before dark.

Thanks for your ideas in advance!
Emily & the Chickens

 

[chickens really]

She must be taking them to a spot she feels is safer for them than having them sleep in the Coop. Possibly to where she hatched them.

 

[Foundlovefarms]

Thanks for replying with the idea! Unfortunately, she hatched them in the coop. There may, however, be a different space she likes better now as the coop also has a few other adult hens (and a rooster) in it.