We've had a hen for a couple of years now and she is definitely a survivor. She's also pretty crafty. After any attack on the coop, she will make a nest elsewhere - in the wood pile, under the recycle bin, etc. She also must think that anywhere but the coop is safer, so she'll roost all over the place too. Last week, we had a bad fox attack and her bosom buddy was killed, probably sparking her to run away. A few days ago, she disappeared in the middle of the day and she wasn't in her usual hiding places. About 48 hours later she returns on her own. A few patches of feathers gone (no injuries). Then, a few hours later, she disappears again. We haven't seen her in 3 days now.
My theory is that she is looking for somewhere safer to live. That, or she is making a nest elsewhere and decided to get broody (which she has never been before). That might explain the missing feathers? (molting) I miss her and worry that she'll be attacked while she's away. What can I do to get her back, if she's still alive? Any tracking methods you can share? Would "lost" posters be over-the-top? Not knowing if she is dead or alive is driving me crazy. Any help?
My theory is that she is looking for somewhere safer to live. That, or she is making a nest elsewhere and decided to get broody (which she has never been before). That might explain the missing feathers? (molting) I miss her and worry that she'll be attacked while she's away. What can I do to get her back, if she's still alive? Any tracking methods you can share? Would "lost" posters be over-the-top? Not knowing if she is dead or alive is driving me crazy. Any help?
