3 missing chickens no signs of a struggle

[thegoodwinshens]

I only had 6 but I went out around 2pm and 3 chickens were huddled together behind a straw bale, under a tree against the shed. I've searched the whole property no feathers or any sign of the other 3. It's 100 degrees here Do I assume hawk?

 

[speckledhen]

I only had 6 but I went out around 2pm and 3 chickens were huddled together behind a straw bale, under a tree against the shed. I've searched the whole property no feathers or any sign of the other 3. It's 100 degrees here Do I assume hawk?

No, I wouldn't. What size are these birds? A fox, coyote or bobcat can take them without a trace. A hawk would most likely leave a pile of feathers from the strike.

 

[thegoodwinshens]

Found them they were hiding under another bush, thank god we've already lost 2 this year

 

[speckledhen]

Found them they were hiding under another bush, thank god we've already lost 2 this year

Fabulous! Glad you found them. I'd invest in a game camera, not really that much $$$. Then, you'd see what was lurking at night and in the daytime.

 

[thegoodwinshens]

True we have one, so I'll get new batteries and set it up, our neighbor lost 15 chickens to a raccoon a couple weeks ago but they didn't lock them up at night