3 Chickens gone within hours

[dskchickie]

Three of my chickens dissapeared this afternoon without a trace. They roam around the yard, plenty of cover, they don't go far from the house.

What could do this?

One disappeared last week, I was suprised because it was my largest orpington, but I chalked it up to - "it happens". I was bummed, but not shocked. today though, another orpington and two silkies just vanished. In the rain, too! The only sign was a few silkie feathers.

I'm SOOO bummed! I never expected to lost 4 chickens in the same week. I am down to 6 now

 

[RoosterLover16]

It could've been a fox. One got ahold of my rooster in broad daylight a while back(thankfully it didn't kill him) Other animals that will get them are raccoons, hawks, and possums. Hawks can just fly away with them without leaving a trace. Another thing is that if they are older chickens that want to sit on eggs they may run off and lay eggs somewhere and sit on them. We had a silkie do that once. Silkies like to sit a lot. I would keep a close eye on them and maybe you could get a dog to guard them during the day to keep critters away. We have a beagle and he is friendly around our birds and keeps the predators away. I hope you have more luck.

 

[dskchickie]

I'm thinking fox, or a pair of fox?. Not sure I can blame hawks - with three gone at once! I can't imagine they all went off somewhere, They're not old enough. I don't expect eggs until july-ish. We joke about the silkies not being able to see, because the rest of the flock will run off to another bush, and the two silkies will be left there calling out for thier buddies like - Hey where did everyone go??? I will miss them.

 

[RoosterLover16]

haha it must be their poofy heads that block their eyes from seeing where they are going just kidding haha. Yeah its hard when you lose chickens. I cry everytime I lose one of mine. They are part of the family

 

[dskchickie]

Exactly. The poof on their head!