Phantom bird

[Pgnelson45]

About 4 months ago one of our gray Australorps went missing. We had 2 gray and 4 black Australorps. This morning I was out feeding the girls and guess who showed up. Now I know someone has been taking care of this girl because she looked to be in fair shape. A bit ruffled and not as good looking as my others but still alive and kicking. I took a few pictures to show my granddaughters because they are helping to care for them.
I wanted a better picture so I went in to get some scratch and just that quick she was gone again. I know I’m not seeing things because I did get a few pictures of her. I’m not aware of any of my neighbors having chickens but I’m not absolutely sure about that.
Has anyone ever had anything like that happen?

 

[NatJ]

I've heard similar stories when hens went broody, and sat on hidden nests. They sometimes come back for meals and then disappear again.

But you're dealing with too long a time for that. 4 weeks or one month could be broodiness, but I'm pretty sure not 4 months!

 

[SilverBirds]

Odd. Have you asked your neighbors if they've seen her around? Maybe someone who doesn't have chickens was feeding her? If she shows up again I'd try and catch her.