Any idea what could have snatched my chicken?

[Artichoke Lover]

We have a flock of 13 hens and 4 roosters. Today when I went to check on them there was a hen missing. No sign of a struggle no blood or feathers none of the others are injured. They are free range. This was in broad daylight between 9am and 2pm. She just disappeared...

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Probably a hawk or other bird

 

[cmom]

It could have been most any predator. Sorry to say but that is the risk when you free range. You will eventually loose a bird. My suggestion would be a game camera. More than likely the predator has been lurking looking for an opportunity and found one. Maybe she will be back and has hidden some place. In any event a game camera is good. I have several on my property and have seen plenty of predators roaming around here, especially at night but sometimes during the day. This fox killed my most special bird during the day. I did catch it.

 

[One Lucky Momma]

Is your ranging area bordered by a windrow or woods? That would provide cover for a lot of things. A fox could be the culprit, or coyote if you’re in their territory. In any case, this sounds like an easy snatch and whatever it was is likely to be back for more.

 

[Artichoke Lover]

The main suspect would probably be stray dog or coyote. Possibly a hawk but they’ve mostly left the chickens alone. We live out in the country so truthfully it could be anything short of bear.

 

[Artichoke Lover]

We knew we were taking a risk because we have a lot of predators around here but we were under the impression that they mainly attack at night. Excluding hawks. Did move a game camera near the coop in case it comes back though.

 

[mcdze]

i dont know what your area looks like but if it was a hawk there usually will be a big pile of feathers somewhere .. ive had missing hens before that had got under a fence somewhere and were just simply 'lost' lol ... show up at the fence around feeding time just pacing the length back and forth ..

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

How are you sure she's been snatched? She could be broody on a clutch of eggs in a hidden spot.

 

[Artichoke Lover]

i dont know what your area looks like but if it was a hawk there usually will be a big pile of feathers somewhere .. ive had missing hens before that had got under a fence somewhere and were just simply 'lost' lol ... show up at the fence around feeding time just pacing the length back and forth ..

I’ve checked the usual places and no such luck they do have a tendency to get trapped in the old garden though lol. Never had one missing for over an hour though for any reason

 

[Artichoke Lover]

How are you sure she's been snatched? She could be broody on a clutch of eggs in a hidden spot.

I hope that’s what it is but she’s a young barred rock and they don’t tend to go broody. I’ve been trying to encourage 1 to go broody but no such luck!