The Funny Farm: Chickens Lost & Found 2

I’ve been fortunate, in that, I have never lost a chicken. I have, however, adopted birds that have been dumped and found in the woods. That’s how I got my first rooster, a Japanese bantam, who was found at the side of the road.

What follows are several tales of finding ‘extra’ chickens – a situation that many of us would be happy to deal with. Thrown into the mix are a story of a misplaced hen and another of a missing pup.

This little comedihen was feeling cooped up at home and went on a freerange adventure this afternoon. No fowl play was committed, and Officer Scanlan did an impeckable job providing a safe eggscort home. – Spearfish Police Department

I thought my fellow chicken people would enjoy this. My husband and I were driving to Walmart and as we passed by Tractor Supply I talked about wanting more chickens. He told me, “Not right now” and to wait until the panic buying goes down. As we pulled into the parking lot passing the Walmart sign, I saw something big digging around in the mulch. It was a hen with nine chicks. Of course, I made him pull over so we could get them. After thirty minutes of chasing them around (also an emergency purchase of a cat carrier to put them in) we were without our groceries, but I got more chickens like I asked for. – Unknown

I came home last night to our run gate left open and these three in our coop. They’re not mine. None of the neighbours saw anything and our ring camera (which isn’t pointed towards the yard) didn’t pick up anyone in our driveway. We have no idea where they came from. They’re pretty friendly hens. I guess I got free pullets.

Update: I already had three Copper Marans so I didn’t notice that there were actually four new birds. It’s odd because my flock usually doesn’t accept newbies too easily but I think whoever dropped them off must have done it right before we got home at dusk when the chickens were already roosting because there wasn’t one fight or fuss with the new girls. They came close to me and seemed unfazed I was even there. – Danie Wagner

Found in the Outback Steakhouse parking lot! No houses nearby. I’m guessing he’s a Rhode Island Red rooster. He’s a little skittish but sweet enough. I got him home safe and sound and is now eating and drinking and appears healthy. – Leslee West

Last night, my 11-year old son and I went to count the chickens and make sure they were safe for the night. We were counting and talking to them. It turns out I can’t do two things at once because I counted too many chickens. I said, “I must have counted a couple of them twice”. As we were petting them we heard a noise. I looked at my son and asked if he heard it. I freaked out when we heard it again. He said, “Whatever it is has nails and is on the roof. So we think maybe raccoon or opossum”. I wanted to call my husband but he wanted to have a look. With a flashlight he was able to see a chicken on the roof. They weren’t all in the coop so we had to get my older son to come help because our hen kept running away. The two boys had to work together to get her. – Aerial Johnson

This is not my chicken, but she thinks she is. My neighbour owns chickens, I don’t. She came over one day and won’t leave. She’s very sweet and friendly. We brought her back home and 15 minutes later she was back. Don’t chickens want to be in a flock? She’s been over here a couple of weeks. How do I get her to go home? She doesn’t lay any eggs, just poops on my deck and stares at me through the patio doors. Any ideas welcome as I have no idea how chickens think.

Update: I have talked with the owner of the hen. The hen’s buddy that she used to hang out with is now a special need’s chicken and is housed separately. Since she lost her buddy she’s been a little food aggressive over there. I guess she figured over here she didn’t have to share. We now call her Henrietta and she’s spoiled rotten. – Unknown

When you’re screaming and crying for an hour because you can’t find your chicken tender baby dachshund, make sure to check the chicken run. You may have accidentally locked her in there. Thankfully she started screaming back at me when I was screaming for her AND they didn’t peck her eyes out. – Ginny Sahlie Miller