Bald Eagle, Fox, what killed my hen??

[NorthChicken]

My 10 girls (and 3 ducks) all free range from 6am-8pm at night. I have woods on both ends of me, and my property overlooks a river. So I'm sure I have all kinds pf predators. I have a very secure run and coop, and they are all locked up safe and sound at night.

Came home at 5pm the other day to find my speckled sussex missing. She was still around at 2pm when my step son got home, so whatever got her was out late in the afternoon. After some searching, I found a pile of her feathers on the river bank. I walked about 30 feet to find another pile of her feathers. No body, just feathers. Never did find her body.

Do you think a bald eagle could have done this? We have LOTS of bald eagles, some that nest in a pine tree fairly close to the coop. Or does this sound more like a fox that would have carried her down to the river?

Very upsetting, this was my first loss and I was heart broken. I understand it's a con of free ranging, but it was still hard to see.

My beautiful Eleanor, I will miss her. She was such a sweet chicken (although a terrible layer!! lol)

 

[troy4]

Problem is their out TOO late.Owls foxes coyotes WILL have dinner.I would free range them from 8:00 in the morning to 5 or 6 in the aftertoon.BUT this is in the summer and I have coyotes foxes and owls
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[troy4]

Also living them alone outsides a mistake MOST animals will not come because of humans.If your living them out of the run you need sit outside with them.Also putting a radio outside keeps foxes and things like that away hearing a human voice is a threat.Also pouring urine around keeps them away.I would CUT all weeds he has got them from down and set traps.The smell of dog and human urine is a threat to those kinds.I keep them away by only 2 ways,cutting and pouring urine.And the fact you never found her body.I say fox!