Chicken attacker

[Michelle. LeVrier]

The other night around 5:00 a.m. I heard the dogs barking and a hen screaming. I unfortunately wasn't able to see the culprit because it vanished fast. There was a trail of feathers as if there was a fight, the chicken was hiding but was ok. I want to know what your opinion on what could of attacked our chicken the other night. This night I have been vigilant checking on the chickens to ensure that they were ok.

 

[jay873]

Possibly a young raccoon. A young raccoon got into my coop a while ago and it didn't know how to properly kill it so the chicken was screaming and I ran out and it was a raccoon

 

[andreanar]

Depends what your location is and what predators you have there.

 

[Michelle. LeVrier]

We live in southeast texas, and my mom has seen raccoons out here but that was years ago, but wouldn't be surprised if it was a raccoon.

 

[Howard E]

It could have been any number of predators but the question I would have for you is "where was the chicken at the time and how was it that one of any number of predators could get to it to make such an attack"?

 

[Cyprus]

I'd agree it could have been any of a number of predators. Most likely whatever it was, it was a juvenile. Juveniles tend to not know how to properly kill. My guess is that it was a raccoon, cat, maybe a possum (not likely).
It was unlikely to have been a (experienced) canine of any kind as they will usually succeed and take off with their kill.
There is also the chance it could have been an unlucky owl.

 

[Michelle. LeVrier]

The pen is about 6ft tall, would a young raccoon be able to climb into it, I would guess yes.