[Little jack]

  Help Jelly is missing.On shutting up the other evening i only 10 not 11 hen's.So did a double take no there was deff 10,i went in and got hubby and a touch out but after about hour of looking for her we had to give up.We looked again the next day, there were no feather's about and i looked in the neighbours gardens too.Do you think i have a fox about.?? There is deff no trace of her at all. All mine free range in a field which about 3 and half acres although it is fenced and has hedgerows. I just want to know whats happened to her and do you think my others are safe ??
Regards Jackie

[min200]

If its been a couple of days I would suspect a fox so keep a keen eye out for your other chooks!

Have you checked up in trees etc to make sure shes not roosting up there?

[joyfull]

she may be broody - last year I had a couple of mine sitting on eggs in the hedgrows, fingers crossed for you and her.

[TeaPots]

If she was attacked, I would have expected you would find feathers or even blood, especially if it was a fox attack. It really does sound like she has chosen to roost/brood elsewhere?

[Sassy]

I would have a good poke around in hedges and shrubs, they are really good at hiding themselves when broody and you may well find her somewhere you have already looked!!

[Little jack]

  Hi thanks for your relpys.I will have a good poke about the hedges today although there are i lot of them,as she still hasnt shown up.1 of my heighbours has really high conifurs she might be in there roosting .
Regards Jackie

[Casey76]

I'd also check the security of your fencing.

Unfortunately I lost over 10 hens last year and most recently my three pure bred brahma girls without a sign of a struggle anywhere.

I'm now upgrading my boundry fence so that it is more secure (smaller holes)... the cats aren't too happy, but if they can't get through, neither can a fox.

[izzy]

My thoughts are with you.

[Sassy]

I'd also check the security of your fencing.

Unfortunately I lost over 10 hens last year and most recently my three pure bred brahma girls without a sign of a struggle anywhere.

I'm now upgrading my boundry fence so that it is more secure (smaller holes)... the cats aren't too happy, but if they can't get through, neither can a fox.

Sorry to ask but could they have been stolen?

[Little jack]

  Hi all, i iam sorry to report that after much hedge bashing and tree shaking there is just no sign of jelly anywhere!! Ahh i just don't what happened to her.I still have the remaining 10 and they are all fine.Thanks for your replys.Jackie