Chicken Thief or Runaway Chicken?

[so lucky]

A few months ago when we had some dogs running loose attack the chickens, I couldn't find one of my speckled Sussex when it was all over. I assumed she was dead.
Well, last week while walking the dog, I noticed my neighbor has a speckled Sussex chicken in the pen with two or three other kinds. I never get close enough to the pen to see for sure, and of course I couldn't positively identify it anyway, but I am wondering if my chicken was scared up that way by the dogs, hung around the other chickens and never came back home.
He is not a friendly neighbor, and I don't think I could just go up to him and demand to know where he got that chicken.
Speckled Sussex are not common around here. Oh well. They are such a nosy bird, I didn't really need two Sussex following me around, checking out my every move. And if she's happy where she is......

 

[Smart Red]

It could be the neighbor thinks he is doing the chicken a favor. It is not necessarily up to him to find a home for a homeless chicken. Of course, most of us don't think that way and would do something to try to get the bird home.

 

[baymule]

Your chicken must have been scared out of her chicken wits, and ran off. Your neighbor might have taken her in, thinking her lost. Since he is not friendly, you might as well write her off. Or you could speak to him, tell him about the attack, and your fear she was dead. Express your gratitude that she is alive and well and found a good home.

 

[so lucky]

That silly chicken didn't have much in the wits department to begin with, lol. By this time, if she has adjusted well there, it would be cruel to take her even if he offered her. (If it IS my chicken) There are some rude girls in my flock. And I doubt they would welcome her back with open wings.

 

[ninnymary]

I agree with Bay. Talk to your neighbor so that your curiosity will be satisfied and you won't wonder. Start by saying I'm glad my chicken found a new home. If your neighbor knows he can keep her, there shouldn't be a problem.

Mary

 

[Just-Moxie]

You could just strike up a friendly conversation with the man,commenting that you noticed he has a speckeled sussex. That you have some, but one ran off. He may share where it came from. He might even like talking to a neighbor.

 

[so lucky]

I may have to do that. He and my DH had a mild difference of opinion several years ago regarding the mowing of property lines, so there hasn't been much neighborly exchange. It may have to wait till spring now, because I don't intend to spend much time loitering in that upper windy part of the property.

 

[Nyboy]

If your not on good terms with neighbor, just be glade hen got a home and get new one in spring.