My Hen flew the coop

[Woods_Woman]

I lost my little bantam EE hen today. Not quite sure what happened to her, was free ranging in my yard one minute gone the next. We are in city limits, the whole family has looked around the neighborhood, I've also placed a lost ad on Craigslist. Her sister has been very depressed and making quite a commotion since she's been gone. I pray a cat hasn't chased her down and killed her. I have to be honest when/if she is found her & her sister will have to find a new home, they are very flighty. Despite having clipped their wings they can still escape over our large 8-10 ft hedge, I think they are better suited with someone in the country who can let them free range w/o the fear of escape, city life is not for these girls. I have 3 other hens that I let out to free range and have not had any of the problems these EE's are having. The other 3 seem quite content in my yard, they are not flighty like these EE's. I will hate to see them go, although I have a friend that has offered them a nice home in her country yard. I've got my fingers crossed that she is safe & found soon.

 

[MuranoFarms]

Did she come home yet?

 

[Woods_Woman]

No she hasn't come home..I'm sad

It's dark now, and I don't think she'll make it the night, we got lots of raccoons around.

Thanks for asking.

 

[Tamrajh]

I'm so sorry to hear about your little girl.

 

[b.hromada]

I hope you find your little girl safe tomorrow morning.

 

[Akane]

Bantams and lighter birds are more likely and capable of flight. They are also easier prey. If she disappeared without a trace odds are a big hawk or owl scooped her up. Otherwise even if they fly over something you'll find them making a lot of noise and pacing on the other side trying to get back to their flock. That's why my bantams are getting a pen while my standards and any extra bantams I can stand to part with get to free range. I have 80acres and it only makes it more likely the bantams will go missing. A pack of coyotes ran through yesterday evening and got at least a bantam roo. Possibly a guinea fowl hen too.

 

[Woods_Woman]

Well I think she is official gone. I agree with Akane and if she had flown out of the yard I'd of heard her or seen her pacing. There has been no signs of her, I find it hard to imagine a hawk getting her, the way our yard is situated I don't think a hawk or owl could swoop in. Cat's on the other hand I think that could of been likely, but I see no trace of feathers, parts, or body. Time for me to be far more careful in letting my girls free range in my backyard, I'll miss my little hen Baby...I'm not quite giving up hope, but things look grim. Thanks folks for the well wishes.

 

[MiniBeesKnees]

I thought clipping wings was a good solution but I've seen some of my bantys climbing up welded wire fencing just like a parakeet will climb the side of a cage.
I thought all they would do was fly over a fence but if they can get a foothold apparently they can climb over one too.
Sorry about your little lady.
Terry in Tennessee

 

[Kittymomma]

Any chance she has a nest stashed somewhere? It doesn't sound from you post that it is likely, but one of my EE's is broody right now so it got me to wondering if that might be why your girl dissapeared.

 

[MareeZoCool]

Keep putting up signs and cruising the neighbothod in search of your hen. She might have been found by some happy child! And there's some

mother wondering where the chicken came from

. Post rewards. Be sure to let the kids in the neighborhood know they can earn money!

BEST OF LUCK!