Bryce Thomas
Songster
If you said they free range off in the woods its quite possible they are broody in the woods. Remember, chickens are ground birds. They don't nest in trees, but in hollowed out logs, under bushes and dead trees and more
Because the older hen came back but not the pullet, it could be possible she got lost in the woods
Because the older hen came back but not the pullet, it could be possible she got lost in the woods