Day after Christmas predators

[FrankRobin]

I am in west-central Ohio with at that time, a mixed flock of 23 with a Barred Rock rooster, 8 Barred hens, 3 R.I.R., and 11 buff cross. This flock has free roamed around our yard and 3 acre woods all year and only lost 1 bird until the 26th when we lost 7 in one afternoon. One of the birds came back the next day but 6 are gone. There was hardly any snow on the ground so no tracks. The only thing found was 3 or 4 spots of feathers. No blood, no parts, no trace of anything else. Does anyone have any ideas as to what would have done this. Coyote, pack of stray dogs? I haven't seen any predators hanging around since this happened.
I feel like it was dog related because before this happened, this flock hardly even noticed our 100lb. Golden Retriever but now they seem a bit nervous around him.

Thanks,
Frank

 

[Eastins Eggs]

Probably not a dog. A dog will usually kill for fun and leave body's every where. Coyotes will take the chicken with it to eat in a safer place. The coyotes may come back several times in one day if there is nothing to stop them. The chickens may be afraid of your dog because to them it looks like the coyotes.