Did someone steal my chickens or did a raccoon steal my chicken

[Cmua]

I have my chickens at my grandfathers house and when I went there one of my hens were missing. I ask my grandpa and he said he doesn’t know what happened. He did tell me a Mexican couple came and asked if he had any hens they could have and he said no. And then some mexican guy came and asked for some plants that he could eat and mentioned he did chicken as well. Next thing I know my hen is missing. The thing is is that the hen they took was injured because it’s mother attacked it so it doesn’t make sense they would take just that one and not other hens that are healthy compared to that injured one. Then I Come back and another hen is gone and the rooster that was with it was moved. I asked my grandpa what happened and he said a raccoon attacked the hen but left the raccoon in there with it. So I don’t know if a raccoon stole the first hen or someone else stole it. The way I had the cage for the first hen was the same as I left it but the hen was gone. Was the raccoon smart enough to put the things back to where everything was or did someone take it and put it back. But I just don’t get why they would take that one and put everything back and only take that one. If were to I steal chicken I’d take more than one little injured hen and put everything back. Oh and there wasn’t really any feathers with the first hen

 

[nuthatched]

Is the pen predator proof? Is there locks only a person could open?

 

[Cmua]

Is the pen predator proof? Is there locks only a person could open?

The pen I had for the first hen was a dog cage with a slider and I had a wood piece placed on the door. and the second hen the raccoon broke part of the door.

 

[LadyCluck77]

Could be a raccoon but in my experience they make a mess. Do you have coyotes in your area?
I had a cockerel pen a few summers ago, and every few nights, one would go missing. No feathers, nothing amiss. After an exhausting stake-out, I discovered that coyotes were digging the smallest hole under the pen, and taking just one bird quietly as they slept, then running off with it. Never would have believed a coyote could be so quiet and stealthy.

Maybe install a game camera in an inconspicuous place? That would give you an idea what kind of predator you are dealing with, whether the four legged or two legged kind...

 

[nuthatched]

It sounds like a raccoon, my friend had a coon break through the bottom (popped it out of place) wood on a next box for a pre-fab coop, we couldn't figure out how it got in. there were no feathers or signs of struggle but then we discovered the the board loose.

 

[cmom]

If you have a camera, put it up. If it was a predator then likely it will be back. Good luck...

 

[Mtnboomer]

Raccoons have amazing dexterity but given the pretense of someone asking about them right before the disappearances began is a little coincidental.
Definitely put up a game cam and check to be sure.

 

[Matzo]

I have my chickens at my grandfathers house and when I went there one of my hens were missing. I ask my grandpa and he said he doesn’t know what happened. He did tell me a Mexican couple came and asked if he had any hens they could have and he said no. And then some mexican guy came and asked for some plants that he could eat and mentioned he did chicken as well. Next thing I know my hen is missing. The thing is is that the hen they took was injured because it’s mother attacked it so it doesn’t make sense they would take just that one and not other hens that are healthy compared to that injured one. Then I Come back and another hen is gone and the rooster that was with it was moved. I asked my grandpa what happened and he said a raccoon attacked the hen but left the raccoon in there with it. So I don’t know if a raccoon stole the first hen or someone else stole it. The way I had the cage for the first hen was the same as I left it but the hen was gone. Was the raccoon smart enough to put the things back to where everything was or did someone take it and put it back. But I just don’t get why they would take that one and put everything back and only take that one. If were to I steal chicken I’d take more than one little injured hen and put everything back. Oh and there wasn’t really any feathers with the first hen

Coons wouldn't put anything back, they'd steal things. Additionally, if you have coons that attack chickens, they wouldn't be leaving any. An owl or bird of prey, fox or possum could have gotten in as well. If the fencing isn't secure from digging or from owls, it's actually difficult to say.

 

[Matzo]

Coons wouldn't put anything back, they'd steal things. Additionally, if you have coons that attack chickens, they wouldn't be leaving any. An owl or bird of prey, fox or possum could have gotten in as well. If the fencing isn't secure from digging or from owls, it's actually difficult to say.

{You sure grandpa didn't have a chicken dinner and not want to say anything about it?}

 

[Vickischics]

Can you put a lock on the pen?
Otherwise, go talk to your neighbors and meet them. Tell them your Grandpa said they were looking for hens. Then preceed to tell them to check Craigslist in your area or go to Tractor supply or they could order some. This would give you a "looky looky" while being neighborly too.
Take grandpa with you.