My chickens ran away1

[Lori4848]

I have 3 18 week old chickens. Something (predator) scared them in their coop night before. I think they got beaks caught in hardware cloth. All bloody and very subdued in morning. I let them out as usual. They come when called. I’m on 2 acres free range all day. They did not come in last night. Haven’t been to eat . Can’t find evidence they were killed. Will they come home eventually?

 

[wyoDreamer]

Do you have any tall trees around that they could be hiding in?

 

[Lori4848]

Yes and shrubs.one is a barred rock and she doesn’t fly well. The others do fly but won’t leave the rock. Since that is their flock, they have no need for my other chickens. Mostly they were very scared. They spend most of time on my porches and flower beds. I don’t think they will go back to coop now. I never thought I would get this upset about not finding chickens... their for eggs.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Sorry about your chickens. When a predator comes around, they usually will come back again and again, especially if they find a way inside. I would go around and ask (or leave a note for) all neighbors to be on the lookout for any of them. Then continue to look for feathers or remains. Do what you normally do putting food out, and calling to them. Hopefully, they are hiding. I would look over any possible holes or openings in the coop and run, and fix them. Try a camera to look for what might be lurking outside at night. I hope that you find them.

 

[Lori4848]

The camera is a great idea. I could not find any way predator got in, or paw prints. But I have lots of critters here.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Oh-no, sorry your chickens disappeared! I hope you find them! Perhaps you could organize a search party! Welcome to BYC by the way!

 

[Lori4848]

Thank you for your advice!

 

[Ginmary]

Whatever scared them could have come back now that they knew there were chickens there. They would have had an easy meal with them free ranging on 2 acres. I hope they are just hiding and come back soon.