Chickens eating other chickens

[chickbram]

HELP!
I know chickens will peck and injure a sickly chicken but actually take its head off and eat it?! I have a very secure chicken pen 30x30 where I keep 6 chickens. I let them free range alot during day. Last Tuesday something broke the wing of my smallest and sweetest chicken ever. Ive kept her away from the other chickens until last night. I went to check on them this morning she was dead and her head was gone.
Ive searched and haven’t found any other critters or the head. Sooo will chickens actually eat the head?? I know opossums and coons will do that but this coop is like Fort Knox they can’t get in. I’m so sad.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Weasel. They eat the head/neck area and can squeeze through holes other critters can't

 

[chickbram]

But I find it unusual I’ve never had a problem before.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

That unfortunately doesn't mean anyrhing. You may have just gotten unlucky and one found your coop and decided to get a meal. However now it may come back.

 

[The Moonshiner]

But I find it unusual I’ve never had a problem before.

No one ever does until they do.
I've had chickens for a long time and never seen them eat the head from another.
I think you've got a predator finding a way in.

 

[chickbram]

That unfortunately doesn't mean anyrhing. You may have just gotten unlucky and one found your coop and decided to get a meal. However now it may come back.

Do you think they could get through a rat hole?

 

[RobertaD1]

Yes.... they can use a rat hole

 

[cmom]

If you have a game camera, put it up and then you will find out. Most predators when they make a kill will be back. Sooner or later most chicken owners will have a predator show up for a chicken dinner. Here most of the predators roam at night. It may have been lurking waiting for an opportunity or just happened to stop by. Good luck...

 

[cmom]

Is your pen covered? It could have been an owl.