6 hens gone in one evening - Guess the predator

[JackE]

Dogs usually won't carry away the bodies. They'll just leave them where they killed them. Sounds to me like you had a fox attack. Yes, they will take more than one bird at a time. I lost 7 in one attack and 9 in another. All I found of the missing birds was piles of different colored feathers throughout the yard. You could see where the attacks started, and how the fox continued after the birds across the field into our front yard. It was like the chickens came to the house for help. Both attacks were daylight attacks but, a fox is a 24hr a day threat. A fox will kill as many as he (Or she) can, and then carry them away and cache them somewhere. I use to freerange my birds, but after the daylight attacks, or course when I wasn't there, I now have a 100X100' area around their coop surrounded by Premier's electrified poultry fence. They only get out of the fenced area if I'm there with them.
Jack

 

[CritterHill]

Wow, guys. Thanks for the info. I'm inclined to agree with the fox replies because we do have TONS of them out here - maybe I should call the fox hunt and ask them to make a sweep!

I didn't think it could be a fox at first because I didn't know they would grab more than one bird, but I guess they can!

 

[7L Farm]

Good idea just keep em locked up because the predator will be back for a second helping.

 

[cmom]

I'm sure I have a raccoon. I put a trap out tonight.

 

[Cindy in PA]

Foxes have been terrible here this year & still are. I lost 3 guineas to daytime attacks. I don't free range my chickens. I now have new guineas in a pen & have seen the fox every day in the last week. Some were eradicated several months ago, but I still see others.. Luckily the guineas won't get out for a few months, but I hope someone can trap some foxes this winter. Son has a fur takers license, but won't do it, because he has nowhere to get rid of them. Morning & evening attacks I can guard against, but broad daylight attacks are the pits.