Stray Dog?

[collegegardener]

I left my chickens out to free range while I was gone. My grandmother was still home and noticed a stray dog in the yard and chased it off and all of my chickens were still here doing fine. When I got home, only 4 out of 5 are here and my biggest hen is gone. There aren't any feathers or blood trails. No tracks. No sign of struggle or anything. Could it be possible that the dog came back and got her? She's been molting. So I would think there would be a mess of feathers...any thoughts? I'm worried sick.

 

[earlybird10842]

Well, put your chickens up and keep them inside, or at least limited to the run. Then look around the neighborhood. A chicken that has been chased will hunker down and hide, so look under shrubs, beneath cars, ect. Alert neighbors to be on the lookout for the hen. I've had this happen and recovered the hen safely, hiding deep in the woods. If you cannot find her and she doesn't show up within a few days, the dog probably got her, but I would search first.

 

[collegegardener]

I put the rest up and I've looked everywhere. The others don't seem excited at all. I keep thinking she'll come back around dark, so I'm just going to keep looking and wait. Thank you!

 

[earlybird10842]

Did she turn up?

 

[collegegardener]

Still no sign of her. I'll keep hope for maybe another day and keep looking.

 

[earlybird10842]

Still no sign of her. I'll keep hope for maybe another day and keep looking.

Good luck!!

 

[collegegardener]

Thanks so much!