The chickens were let into their yard about 9am Saturday but were gone when caretakers came to close them up for the night at 4pm.

One was dead in the yard - and clearly not by animal attack - and three were missing.

The act has horrified the pre school community, disappointing and confusing the hens’ young carers. 

Forbes Pre School director Amy Shine says the children “absolutely adore” the hens. 

“Every day they check the eggs and feed them,” she said.

“Feeding the hens is a highly sought after job here.” 

The pre-school has kept hens for about four years and they are closely watched by neighbours as sadly, they have been attacked before.

“We lost our hens about 12 months ago,” Ms Shine said. 

“Since then we’ve locked them up securely at night in a pen. 

“For this to happen in the middle of the day - in broad daylight - is disturbing. It’s not like we had them out at night.”

The chooks were so tame it is unlikely they made much of a fuss when handled, but police are hopeful someone heard or saw something suspicious in the area or has heard something about what happened to the hens.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Forbes Police on 6853 9999 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.