My favorite hen is missing... Update IS BACK & BROODY! after 2 days!

[LauraG]

I've been following this story & I'm so glad you got your hen back!! I LOVE the puffy picture!! Any updates?

 

[hipeatall]

Sorry for the delay... evidently, I didn't subscribe to my own post and I didn't know I had people waiting for a response

. Plus, I hadn't seen Nan since Friday so there had been nothing to report on. I wasn't worried though... now that I'm in on her little secret... I figured she was fine and perhaps I had just missed her quick outing to get some food and water.
Well today I lucked out and saw Nan out in the main yard with the other chickies. So I grabbed a bucket to sit on and watched her eat and eat and eat and then drink and drink... repeat... repeat... repeat. She ate and drank for like 30 minutes... and chased off any chicken in her way. I so wanted to go get my camera... but I was afraid she would be gone when I got back... so I stayed put... I wanted to know where that nest was! Eventually she flew over the chicken yard fence and then made it across the larger chicken pasture... then over that fence and then shimmied up under our barn. We (my son and I) went back with a flashlight and laid on the ground to peer under the barn (I was totally covered in dirt and I got leaves in my hair... real nice). We looked and looked and didn't see anything... it's really really hard to see under the barn... you have to have your head sideways on the ground to see up under there! Just when we were about to go get a stronger flashlight, boom... there she was behind the post maybe 2 feet in front of us... funny how sometimes you can't see something right in your face. Well, it was so cool to see her... and I don't think our peeking bothered her at all... she didn't make any grumbling noises at all. So now I'm trying to figure out how we might be able to secure the area for her. There is no way to get to her out from under the barn. Hubby says we should just leave her alone and not spook her off the nest... hmmm. But, but, but, I kindof wanted to get a picture... and now I'm wondering if the camera flash might freak her out... she's not easily disturbed.
Oh, I can't wait to see my little Nanites (the name makes me nerdy giggle too, you are not alone LareePQG).

 

[LarryPQ]

the name makes me nerdy giggle too, you are not alone LareePQG

*sigh of relief*​

 

[hipeatall]

Nan was out again today for just a little bit... I decided to take a couple of really really quick pictures.
I may try to get a pic next time I see her off the nest.

 

[LarryPQ]

Hmm...I see what you mean. Not really predetor-proof-able. You'd have a heck of a time moving her, too.

Do you have issues with predators in your area? Maybe you will get really lucky and nothing will find her hiding spot.

 

[hipeatall]

We are out in the sticks... so we have raccoons, foxes, skunks, opossums, hawks, owls, snakes... you name it. It worries me... that something might find her nest... but I can't get to her and securing the area isn't really do-able.
I think our dogs (a catahoula and golden retriever) have kindof been on patrol... they have been staying outside at night for the past few weeks... they get along great with our chickens and are pretty protective of them.
I wish I knew how much longer... it has been a week now though since I noted that she went "missing"... so at least I have a little bit of an idea... fingers, toes, everything cross-able crossed!

 

[Chicken D's mom]

What an exciting little story!! I really hope you get your Nanites...I laughed too, but my neighbors think I'm nuts cuz I talk to my chickens....

I noticed alot of light coming in around the bottom of your barn, so is there a way you can block the open space around the bottom with chicken wire, rocks, or wood or even cardboard? Then maybe fence off a small area where she comes out for food and water? Once the Nanites come, it may be a while before she lets them come out and all the little peep peeps may attract unwanted attention.

It might be pretty hard to predator proof her spot, but I've used everything from a lawn swing to an old entertainment center (long story) to confine and protect my chicken who had to be out of the coop because of injuries. It might be worth a try.

 

[LarryPQ]

That is how people like me end up with garbage all over their yard

"oh it is just temporary" turns into "it is too hot to go outside"

 

[Mama&thePeeps]

 

[hipeatall]

Oh my, you guys are cracking me up! When I was posting the picture I noted the old dog bowl and green fence post under the barn and was all... man, I gotta clean up under the barn... like that's ever gonna happen!
And I think "it is too hot to go outside" is totally a legitimate excuse here in Texas

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