Could a Fox Have Done It?

[Big Bubba]

I started the week with 2 girls. When I came home Monday afternoon and let my dog out she ran after a fox that got away. I go into the coop and there is one dead girl. The remaining one was quite distraught and wasn't planning of coming out of hiding. I had arranged for someone else to take her as I didn't want her to be lonely. That was supposed to take place tomorrow.

Well, I came home today to find her dead with a missing head. I know the normal suspect is a raccoon. But, it would seem odd so soon after a fox attack that it was a coon to do this one.

My question - is it possible a fox was the culprit? I know it goes against everything I've read, but it just seems odd a coon was responsible since I haven't really seem them around for quite a while.

Thanks for any responses.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I say a raccoon got in. Not unusual for it to occur.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

most Likely was the fox.
Generally, they will bite the heads off the birds.
Sorry for your loss

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

most Likely was the fox.
Generally, they will bite the heads off the birds

They usually try to bury the body as well. It’s an either or. Leaving the body sounds like a raccoon but they have the same methods of killing. Could have been the fox.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I am so sorry for your loss! Bear hugs!

 

[Big Bubba]

Thanks for all the responses. Yes, very sad for this one in particular. She managed to avoid so many attacks. But, she did reach the late age of 6.

I'm leaning toward thinking it was a coon. Head off and just left there. Rigor mortis had set in already so it wasn't like I scared it off in the act and less likely someone else scared it off.

I was free ranging girls the last few years and they managed to avoid numerous attacks from hawks mostly in part because it's difficult for hawks to come in on a small yard in a dense housing area. I lost of few to hawk attacks so I stopped free ranging and then all of sudden they aren't even safe in the run.

Well, I'm going to spend the next couple of months rebuilding so they can have a safe environment and then start with a new batch of chicks.

Again, thanks to everyone for their thoughts.