Our Chickens Ran Away: Can someone help us understand why?

[Kokopo]

Hi we had 3 layer chickens who ran away and we cannot figure out why!

They were kept in the coop without being let out for about a month before we decided to let them out bit by bit. After 3 or so weeks we felt safe enough to let them out for most of the day. Happily they wandered the garden, and at dusk they go back into the coop. But one day they just left.

We live next to a forest. Our garden is not properly fenced, the chicken can leave if they really wanted to, but they have never done so. They almost always stay within sight of the coop.

So far my only speculation has been, they preferred the forest more so they can hide from flying predators. But is that reason enough to leave your food and water and roost and shelter and all your eggs and never return?

 

[MissNutmeg]

Well maybe something got them? Usually they know were home is. I'm really sorry though! Btw, welcome to BYC!


~Meg

 

[bobbi-j]

I'm guessing they became lunch for something.

 

[ChickenChaser9]

Hi we had 3 layer chickens who ran away and we cannot figure out why!

They were kept in the coop without being let out for about a month before we decided to let them out bit by bit. After 3 or so weeks we felt safe enough to let them out for most of the day. Happily they wandered the garden, and at dusk they go back into the coop. But one day they just left.

We live next to a forest. Our garden is not properly fenced, the chicken can leave if they really wanted to, but they have never done so. They almost always stay within sight of the coop.

So far my only speculation has been, they preferred the forest more so they can hide from flying predators. But is that reason enough to leave your food and water and roost and shelter and all your eggs and never return?

Sounds like they were taken by predators. Never heard of a flock abandoning the safety and comfort of a nice coop and free grains.

 

[dekel18042]

Sounds like they were taken by predators. Never heard of a flock abandoning the safety and comfort of a nice coop and free grains.

 

[Kokopo]

Hi OP here, thanks for the response

We don't think it is a land predator since it is just a small forest in the middle of a city, there are no snakes here just crows and the occasional rare possums, the possums here we think are too small in number to take on 3 chickens and kidnap all of them at once without a trace (also there was no evidence of a struggle, no blood or feathers anywhere). (And I do understand possums do kill full-grown chickens occasionally)

So we are just baffled.

not trying to be naive here, just trying to eliminate possibilities. we're located in northern suburbs of Sydney, Australia. thx again for the responses

 

[lazy gardener]

Predators of all sorts live even in the cities. Raccoons abound. and there are plenty of foxes and even coyotes that can be seen in city limits. I agree with other posters. Your three chickens became lunch for somebody, perhaps even a stray dog.

 

[bobbi-j]

Chickens don't "run away from home". They hate change. If they know where they're getting food, water and shelter, they will return if able. If a predator didn't get them, then I'm guessing a human took them. Those are pretty much the only two realistic options.

 

[ChickenMammX4]

My guess is predators, chickens don't run away from home.

 

[Hybridchucks]

My guess is predators, chickens don't run away from home.

I agree, especially if they have been with you for more than two weeks