Mystery About Our Top Girl

[JadeMurphy]

This may be a silly question but I ask it because I have heard of other animals do a similar thing... do chickens hide away to die?

My top lady, Rose, has disappeared without a trace. I am concerned as she is almost always right next to our rooster. Nothing like this has happened before.

I had the day off work today so watched them on and off pretty much all day. The last time I saw her was around 3pm. No predators have taken her, we have two dogs who are always on their own little patrol. I have begun to notice that she isn't laying well & is losing feathers, which is why I ask the above.

Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated. I'm gutted, even more so that I haven't a clue what could have happened!

 

[GrandmaChickie]

Well, I thought I could offer you some hope and say that she might have a hidden nest somewhere, but your description sounds like she's moulting.

 

[JadeMurphy]

I've looked in her favourite three spots to sit or hide. Nothing.

She's never been broody before & is a fair few years old, plus she has been out all day, every day as usual till now. I cant imagine she'd be on a nest.

Have you ever heard of chickens going away to die or any similar behaviours?

 

[JadeMurphy]

Well I was amazed to see her appear from absolutely nowhere this morning!

I went to open the coop & let the others out, she appeared behind me & bundled over as normal! No idea where she was, why she didn't come to call, where she hid all night, or why she did it!

Very pleasing, although I'm amazed she survived the night as the dogs go away and the foxes etc usually have a mooch around.

 

[GrandmaChickie]

Thank goodness! Bad hen!