Odd behavior from my Buff Orpington

[FeralAnalyst]

Yesterday, when I went outside I was greeted by my flock of free ranging hens and guineas. I then noticed my Buff orpington was missing. The hens are always together. I assumed the worst and went looking for her.

I eventually saw some tail feathers peaking out of a hedge in my front yard. I called her and no response. Shook the bush and no response. I then reached in and saw that she was fine. Just hanging out in the bush. I picked her up and nothing was wrong.

She is 17 weeks old. I am still a newbie at this. Is this behavior normal?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some chickens like being alone. If she doesn't act sick, I wouldn't worry about it. Though occasionally one will get bullied and end up hiding, so maybe a bit of flock observation will let you know if she's just being independent or if something else is going on.

 

[donrae]

Is she showing signs of being ready to lay? 17 weeks is pretty early for a BO, but it's possible she was checking out nesting sites.