Disappeared without a trace

[sourland]

It could have been a fox however there would have to be feathers everywhere. No feathers were found. No Bobcats or Coyotes that I am aware of in the area.

Not necessarily. Coyotes are everywhere - if anywhere near a forested area bobcats remain a possibility. Both are stealth predators and rarely seen.

 

[roosterhavoc]

Chickens don’t just disappear they’re either relatively close or something took them. If there wasn’t any feathers noticeable I’d say a canine and more than likely a red fox. Good luck.

 

[Organic Gal]

What a stumper...
I once had this happen, one of our roosters disappeared the same way...but later we found three neat stacked piles of his feathers in the forest.
(shudders)

I have been out several times walking around the property looking for them. I have 2.5 acres. No sign. There are lots of hiding places and lots of trees though.

 

[Organic Gal]

I hope they return, if they are alive. Very sorry!

Thank you. I hope so too. Are they likely to come back when it starts to get dark if they are just out of the enclosure?

 

[Organic Gal]

Chickens don’t just disappear they’re either relatively close or something took them. If there wasn’t any feathers noticeable I’d say a canine and more than likely a red fox. Good luck.

I know there are red fox and skunks during the day. I find it hard to believe with all the dogs in the neighborhood barking that they would come near where the chickens are at.

 

[roosterhavoc]

I know there are red fox and skunks during the day. I find it hard to believe with all the dogs in the neighborhood barking that they would come near where the chickens are at.

You have an awful lot of misconceptions. Foxes don’t care about dogs as much as you think. Hopefully that’s not you’re issue but if it is you need to lock the rest up and do something about the fox or you’ll lose every last one.

 

[WindingRoad]

The op said 8 months.

I've cleaned my glasses . LOL.

 

[TARDIS37379]

There are several predators who could have gotten in and out quickly. Whether by ground or by air, there are several.
Several of my breeds can clear a 5’ fence with little or no trouble.

 

[Wallygators]

When I lost a chicken to predators, the other chickens would run and hide in a corner in the coop. Do you see or hear hawks? My pullets can easily fly over a 4' fence.

 

[M Brennen]

Thank you. I hope so too. Are they likely to come back when it starts to get dark if they are just out of the enclosure?

We had birds left out of the enclosure overnight. Once it gets dark they hunker down in a perceived safe place and stay quiet. You may find them the next day.