Multiple chickens missing??

[PiedPiperDucklings]

Hello!
Yesterday when me and my husband went to give the birds some treats, we noticed two of our retired girls, our buff Orpington, and our white Orpington pullet were all missing. We looked for hours but couldn't find a trace! They free range but never have gone far and we have a rooster who is in love with the buff Orpington so I assume I would hear something if there was a predator. We also haven't lost anything in a long time, because we have LGD on the property. The buff I could see going broody somewhere, but what confuses me is how many are missing and with no stress behavior from the flock. Any ideas/advice on how to find them or what may have happened? I'm heartbroken over the buff Orpington (Honeypie) she was my first chicken

 

[DobieLover]

There is always the possibility that they've gone broody and are on a hidden nest(s) somewhere.

 

[PiedPiperDucklings]

There is always the possibility that they've gone broody and are on a hidden nest(s) somewhere.

Oh I hope so! Would they ignore us shaking food bags and such if that was the case?

 

[DobieLover]

Oh I hope so! Would they ignore us shaking food bags and such if that was the case?

Absolutely. Their only focus would be setting their eggs. I hope you find a hidden nest... or two.

 

[Lor]

Have you found them?

 

[McChooky]

Hello!
Yesterday when me and my husband went to give the birds some treats, we noticed two of our retired girls, our buff Orpington, and our white Orpington pullet were all missing. We looked for hours but couldn't find a trace! They free range but never have gone far and we have a rooster who is in love with the buff Orpington so I assume I would hear something if there was a predator. We also haven't lost anything in a long time, because we have LGD on the property. The buff I could see going broody somewhere, but what confuses me is how many are missing and with no stress behavior from the flock. Any ideas/advice on how to find them or what may have happened? I'm heartbroken over the buff Orpington (Honeypie) she was my first chicken

I wouldn't give up hope finding your hens but keep your eyes open in case you have a fox !

 

[PiedPiperDucklings]

Have you found them?

Not yet

 

[PiedPiperDucklings]

I wouldn't give up hope finding your hens but keep your eyes open in case you have a fox !

I'm keeping an eye out! I haven't seen any predators but I did see some vultures off in the woods yesterday. That could be for any animal though so I'm trying not to worry so much

 

[McChooky]

I'm keeping an eye out! I haven't seen any predators but I did see some vultures off in the woods yesterday. That could be for any animal though so I'm trying not to worry so much

They could possible have picked up the scent of remains. Btw a sitting hen will still come back once a day for food and water. Theay have to have both. Do you have a camera you can set up?

 

[PiedPiperDucklings]

They could possible have picked up the scent of remains. Btw a sitting hen will still come back once a day for food and water. Theay have to have both. Do you have a camera you can set up?

One of the retired girls came back today and looks rough, so I'm not sure if any more will be back. But I wanted to set up a trail cam anyway, so I'll just have it pointed over the coop and yard