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

[Brahma Chicken5000]

They mostly disappear if I'm out of town and during the afternoon/dusk hours

Definitely a person who is watching your schedule. The timing is too calculated.

 

[ChxLadyCass]

Ugh, so sad. I want to have faith in humanity so bad!!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Ugh, so sad. I want to have faith in humanity so bad!!

There are always good and bad in every species. Humans are no different.

 

[ChxLadyCass]

Update! I ran home to install locks all over. As I'm securing the gate, I watched my rooster fly up and land on top of the chicken wire that is trying to keep him in and safe. I shooed him down but could totally see my last missing hen, Suzy, doing the same thing to escape!! I also see what could possibly be a spot of blood on one the pallets in the run that I place for them to hide under. I got all the locks installed and will still set up the game cam still to see if I can see many predators. Then I'll be solving the escape problem as well! Thanks for the support friends

 

[Stayc]

My gosh if chickens or any fowl dont have enough predator issues as is. I agree. Read a thread on here with someone losing drakes to the very same kind of preditor! People can be gross sometimes. Sorry for your lossesplease keep up updated.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

View attachment 1207927 View attachment 1207928 Update! I ran home to install locks all over. As I'm securing the gate, I watched my rooster fly up and land on top of the chicken wire that is trying to keep him in and safe. I shooed him down but could totally see my last missing hen, Suzy, doing the same thing to escape!! I also see what could possibly be a spot of blood on one the pallets in the run that I place for them to hide under. I got all the locks installed and will still set up the game cam still to see if I can see many predators. Then I'll be solving the escape problem as well! Thanks for the support friends

You’re definitely younger than I am. I’d never be able to remember the combo.

Since there is blood on the pallet, maybe there is still a way for predators to get in or chickens to get out. Can you post pics of your whole set up?

 

[BantyChooks]

View attachment 1207927 View attachment 1207928 Update! I ran home to install locks all over. As I'm securing the gate, I watched my rooster fly up and land on top of the chicken wire that is trying to keep him in and safe. I shooed him down but could totally see my last missing hen, Suzy, doing the same thing to escape!! I also see what could possibly be a spot of blood on one the pallets in the run that I place for them to hide under. I got all the locks installed and will still set up the game cam still to see if I can see many predators. Then I'll be solving the escape problem as well! Thanks for the support friends

Probably just from a broken toenail or pinfeather. I see spots like that fairly frequently.

 

[ChxLadyCass]

Yes, I will post a picture sometime today! There are at least 4 gaps in the chicken wire about 2 square feet open or less. I'm hoping to fix them when I have some daylight this weekend. Game cams were out of batteries.

 

[Silkiesarefluffydinos]

sorry for your losses.. I a person is stealing your birds, I hope you find the theif soon!

 

[ChxLadyCass]

Hhmm could this pup be a culprit? Ironically enough, his owner SWEARS he has no interest in chickens and that he keeps a good eye on him. I don't think so.
Also, here's a picture of my set up! A coop on each side of the run, pallets to take cover under, chicken wire along the base of the panel fencing, tin fence on the backside of the run and chicken wire covering the run.