[Roxy]

The one that was missing overnight, and then arrived back in the morning, keeps disappearing. She is there in the morning, but when I come to shut the hens in, she is missing.  This morning, she was there as usual. I decided to keep watch and see where she went. After eating some food, she set off up the field, through some nettles, and under a feed through on legs.  I followed her, and could see a nest of eggs she is sitting on.  Its not safe from foxes, but having tried unsuccessfully to sit this bantie on eggs before, she will only sit where she wants, not where I want her to do!!  Have put a board up in front of the feeder, to make it more secure from foxes.

[Sylvia]

Chickens, when broody, lose their scent. This keeps them  safer from predators who hunt by scent and detected movement rather than sight, which is why a chicken will "freeze" on her nest if you look in at her.
I dare say she will be back in a couple of weeks time with a trail of chicks behind her!

[viewfield]

That happened to us, a couple of times, we left her to go back and forward to the nest, but stayed away so Mr Fox,
didnt pick up on our scent, and our mrs bantam came back with a dozen chicks following her all safe .
We collected them up mum as well and put them in a arc.

Look forward to your fluffy little ones.