And then there were seven

[osteo16]

So, wifey calls me today around noon. Sends me a picture of a chicken on my ranger.. They never wonder that far to the driveway. Hmmmm.. they have been getting a little exploratory but this was I guess usuall. Well it wasn’t.. Seven piles of feathers in seven different locations in my yard.. Coop door opens around 8:30, usually dog is out but not today .. Wifey sees all the piles of feathers around noon. Had 14 chickens this morning, have 7 this evening.. Anyone comment on possible predators? Was thinking small pack of coyotes ?!? We live a little out in the country on 12 acres.. 8 of it’s mowed and rest is sparse wooded area.. No blood, just a few piles of feathers.. anyone ?!

 

[Mayducks12345]

Maybe hawks or other birds of prey? Even owls.
Foxes and raccoons also?
Coyotes can most definitley be the culprit though! Sorry for your loss :/

 

[Howard E]

How old were these birds?

Piles of feathers is often a hawk. They catch em, kill em, then pluck the feathers out on the spot. This time of year they would be feeding youngsters, so would take their plucked kill with them back to their nest, especially so if these were young chickens. Seven in one day would be a lot, but maybe not if they were growing chicks.

 

[Eggsoteric]

My guess is fox or coyote.

 

[osteo16]

18 month old hens... no chicks.. and seven in one swoop.. just can’t figure it out yet.. 12 months no problems.. then BAMMM