Itty Bitty was my very favorite chicken... I last saw her roaming the yard around 2pm today (it is currently 9pm), and just searched for the past two hours and cannot find her.

She is only about 7 months old and laying eggs, but I haven't seen any signs of broodiness in her. The only rooster that may have mated with her is our Silver Sebright, although I've never seen him properly mate with her. Could she have suddenly gone broody this evening? She does have a secret nest somewhere that I can't find.

I'm thinking a coyote may have grabbed her, as there are no feathers or anything suggesting a struggle took place (hawk attack).

Am I delusional in thinking she may just be broody and on her secret nest? Will she come out of her brood when she realizes the eggs probably aren't fertile? I'm so sad.