chicken casualty

[Fishsticks06]

I lost a hen in the field. I didn't see the predator, the only clues I have to go off of are two piles of feathers meters apart. no blood, and no carcass. I've tried to locate a body but there's nothing near my yard, so I assumed it was a grey fox who regularly comes by the house. I found regurgitated feathers which I assume are from my cat. could my cat have killed my chicken? he's pretty large, I'd give him 12-14 pounds, and has a blazing hunting instinct. he likes to go in the field to hunt anything smaller than him, I've seen him kill rabbits. he's shown interest in the chickens, wanting to pounce them. but he's never been able to. he does this with my dogs and other cats, so I assumed he just wants to play. thoughts?

 

[Cassandra Lana]

if your cat had caught your bird I think you may find more remains.is a possibility tho . Also sorry about the bird

 

[microchick]

I'm so sorry for your loss. We had a fox in our neighborhood a few years back that would kill birds from the folks next doors flock, bring them to our property, leave piles of feathers and then take the birds to her den. So yeah, could be fox.

As for the cat, I would think it would depend on the size of the bird. Friends had a stray cat kill their bantam hens so yes it is possible. But could a cat eat a whole standard sized chicken or even carry it away? We have an 18 pound Tom cat. As big as he is I think he would have problems dragging one of my standard bodied hens off let alone eat it at one setting.

Keep in mind that whatever killed your bird no knows where the buffet table is and will be back.

IMHO I would be sorely tempted to leave my birds penned up until you can figure out the who what when and where's and deal with the suspect.

 

[cmom]

So sorry for your loss. It could have been most anything but I'm leaning towards a fox. Apparently they were free ranging which is a risk you take. I don't free range because of losses in the past but my birds all have nice large covered pens. Good luck...