Where is Red Hen Going?

[JackieK318]

For several weeks now, Red Hen (RIR) has been laying in the coop. Friday when I let the chickens out, she bolted down the hill into the woods. I went to see where she went, but couldn't see her. She did the same thing Saturday, Sunday and Monday. I left them inside today since 14" of snow came down. I didn't alter anything or change bedding.

What on earth is she doing? She doesn't sit on the eggs (she comes home at night and I have seen her with the others during the day), so what is going on?

 

[Kaneke]

is there a feral rooster out there, maybe ?

 

[JackieK318]

Could be, but I imagine all my MIA roosters have been eaten.

 

[pepperluvsmee]

I bet she found something good to eat in the woods. Goodness knows what, but I bet that is what it is.....I was going to say she has a nest down there, but with her showing up at night, it is unlikely. Unless she is young and unexperienced?
Chickens are such mysterious creatures. ha ha
-Theresa

 

[raindrop]

She may have a nest down there. It would be unusual for a RIR to get broody, but if she is laying in a hidden spot she may start to set on the eggs once she has 10-12 of them in the nest (that way they will all hatch on the same day).

 

[JackieK318]

It's been in the teens here. Could the eggs still be viable? I don't think she's been letting the roo get near her. Poor guy tries, but gets nothing.

 

[silkiechicken]

I have a few hens that bolt right to the hay pile as soon as I let them out. Is there any way to see if she's coming home to lay eggs?

If it's below freezing there, unlikely the eggs will be viable after about a full 24 hours outside.

 

[JackieK318]

She's an early morning, daily layer. On the days she was let out, no eggs in the coop, but yesterday and today when she was kept in. So, I'm guessing she is bolting to lay. The mystery is why just suddenly and what is she doing?!

 

[theOEGBman]

She's doing it now because Spring is on the way! RIRs have *apparently* had the broodiness bred out of them, but any breed can say different. I've had broody RIRs before. I bet you she has a nest out there. Just wait a bit and if she doesnt come back for the night, I bet she went broody. Then you get to go look for her!

 

[JackieK318]

Ugh! and I think she's going into a 'cave'. There are some fallen tree trunks and big limbs over an indent in the landscape in the woods, and I think that's where she's going. I don't really want to find out what else is in there with her!