My chickens are missing!

[sless]

Earlier today I looked out the kitchen window and saw a little scottie dog sniffing around the chicken coop. I knocked on the kitchen window and it looked at me, but didn't leave. I picked up my two year old, got shoes on and went outside to shoo it away. It left easily enough. Anyway, now my four chickens are missing. They have access to the entire yard and they aren't in any of their usual hiding spots. I have tried the street in front of my house and looked in my neighbors yard. Just over the fence because they weren't home and I couldn't bring myself to open their gate.

Do they typically come back on their own after the threat is over? Or should I look harder? What is the best way?

I don't think the dog got the chickens because he is about their size and there isn't any blood or feathers and I didn't hear anything.

 

[ailurophile23]

Do your chickens come to you if you have a treat and you call hear chickie, chickie, chickie? If so, I would break out the treats and go looking for them. Mine quickly learned to come to me when I have scratch in a small white bucket. Good luck!

 

[OCpeep]

Hi, I'm new to chickens so I can't give you any answers, but I would think they know where home (and the food) is. Hope it all turns out ok.

 

[mohillbilly]

I don't think the dog got the chickens because he is about their size and there isn't any blood or feathers and I didn't hear anything.

the size of the dog doesn't matter even the smallest can kill a chicken.

 

[sourland]

Hopefully you have located your chickens.

 

[redhen689]

Sometimes they hide pretty well and will only come back after they sense the danger has past.
I have had some that did turn up after being missing for 30 minutes or so... and some not.
Usually a dog leaves scattered feathers.

 

[Noymira]

I hope they've just gotten spooked and will be back soon.

the size of the dog doesn't matter even the smallest can kill a chicken.

I have to agree, my mom has two 15 lb terriers, sweet dogs, that I would not trust near my chickens. Their prey drive is just too strong.

 

[JenellYB]

Suggest you need to fence your yard, to keep your chickens home, and neighborhood dogs out. You set up is neither safe for your chickens vulnerable to loose dogs or cars on the street, nor reponsible toward your neighbors whose yards they are wandering into. "Free ranging" chickens isn't about just turning them loose to roam the countryside.

Hope you find the missing.