Rooster disappeared-need advice

[grandmachicken]

I have a big gold rooster and 3 hens that came with him (they were rescued from Animal Control), all were doing fine on Sat. a.m. They were all together around 11 a.m. and when I checked at 1:00 he was just - - - gone! I allow them to free range in my yard, sometimes the neighbor's. We are in a suburb on Atlanta, very tightly packed neighborhood. We have seen no sign of a fight, just some loose feathers in the neighbor's driveway and we found a few feathers on the side of the road.

I know we will not get him back at this point, but I don't know what precautions to take to keep the others safe, since I don't know what took him! A hawk or coyote seems so unlikely . . .

I only had him for about 6 weeks, but he was a tame, beautiful bird and I miss him

 

[ams3651]

maybe someone stopped and picked him up. I had to stop allowing mine to free range after my neighbor essentially threatened them with his dog.

 

[mrs.67]

I read a artical that livestock theft is on the rise , chickens are a easy prey because of their size. Garden theft as well due to high cost of food. I hope thats not the case but it doesn't sound good.

let us know if you find him.

 

[Msbear]

The rooster is the protector of the flock and could've been doing his duty and got chased off by the predator (dog) If you didn't find a big pile of feathers, he very well may be hiding til the coast is clear. This is VERY common. He may also have traveled quite a distance and may be lost. Get up early in the morning and listen for the crow.

I did and I found mine a few months ago

 

[grandmachicken]

Thanks, guys. I have been all over the neighborhood - followed a trail of feathers that just petered out - but there are a lot of woods around and you're right, he could be lost somewhere in there. Haven't given up hope! Glad to know that yours turned up.