Disappearing chickens!! What predator would you guess it is?

[ChxLadyCass]

I have lost at least 17 chickens in the past two months. All summer, when flocks were able to free range all day and turn themselves in at night with no predators. I have covered the chicken run with chicken wire. There are a few gaps, but I put pallets so they could hide. They aren't free ranging anymore. I spent all Saturday and Sunday mornings getting the coop and run preadator proof. Yesterday evening, I still lost a hen!! She's always trying to escape, but I couldn't find any signs of a break in or out! They mostly disappear if I'm out of town and during the afternoon/dusk hours. It could be owls, hawks, raccoons, dogs, skunks, bobcats or coyotes.
What's your guess?

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I have lost at least 17 chickens in the past two months...They mostly disappear if I'm out of town and during the afternoon/dusk hours. It could be owls, hawks, raccoons, dogs, skunks, bobcats or coyotes. What's your guess?

Judging from your post I will say that the most dangerous of all chicken predators is to blame. Homo Sapien.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Judging from your post I will say that the most dangerous of all chicken predators is to blame. Homo Sapien.

That was my thoughts too. Especially since they are disappearing from a secure run with no signs.

 

[belindaschicks]

I suggest you add a lock. I have welded wire burried and aproned out around my coop to keep predators out and combination locks on all the doors to keep the human predators out.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

That was my thoughts too. Especially since they are disappearing from a secure run with no signs.

X2

 

[Hivoltage]

Why would people steal a chicken ?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Many reaons. I live on a corner property down the block from a high school and I have locks on all my coop/run entrances.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Why would people steal a chicken ?

Easy access. We had a run of someone stealing goats in this area a few years ago.

 

[Gray Farms]

Secure coop and run, no signs of break in, no signs of struggle, birds just totally disappear = Human Thieves. I agree, add a latch with a padlock and see if the disappearances stop.

 

[ChxLadyCass]

Heartbreaking!! Almost everyone I talk to seems to think that way also! I have a sneaky brother-in-law I am always suspicious of and people coming and going off the property, but I am just in denial that anyone would want to do that to my prized possessions!! Not to mention my next door neighbor is my father in law and I am great friends with my neighbor across the street. Whatever/Whoever is VERY sneaky!!!Game cam and padlocks will be installed tonight.
I'll keep you all posted