One hen who wanders really far without flock - new behavior.

[akitafriendakita]

I have one silkie hen who wanders away from the flock recently. She doesn't appear to be sick nor isolating herself so I do not think the behavior is tied to that.

It's a little concerning just because she seems less safe away from the flock as a tiny bantam that can get picked up by hawks and things like that, especially because she's ditching the rooster. Has she been pushed out of the flock or something? She basically spends all day trying to go to the neighbors yard, I bring her back and put her with the flock but eventually she just wanders away again.

I'm not seeing any notable bullying or anything. Any particular reason she is doing this? Is she just into exploring recently? Could she have worms and it's triggering an isolating behavior maybe (even though worms aren't showing any symptoms yet?)

Most chickens I've had who are self-isolating don't go so far so it's a little confusing. She keeps going for the same spot too in the neighbors yard, simply just to eat grass that is everywhere.

 

[DobieLover]

She could be on the brink of becoming broody and is looking for a nest site.

 

[akitafriendakita]

She could be on the brink of becoming broody and is looking for a nest site.

That would make sense, they all go broody all the time and maybe she's doing it again or something. She was broody a few weeks ago but who knows because silkies go broody almost constantly during these warmer times.

 

[Mrs. K]

I have found that the more you let them out, the farther they will go. Try keeping all of them in for a while, then they won't go as far. Some chickens are brave and will cover a lot of territory. Where as other are not.

Several years ago, I had a rooster that went clear the barn and feed lot. Took his hens. Have not had another flock get remotely close to that distance in years.