Disappearing Chickens

[miletichc]

Hello all,
So I've got 40 chickens ranging from 1 month to 8 months old. I recently built a large coop for all of them. They are fenced in on just over 1/4 acre just for them. Over the last week all 4 of my 1 month old chickens (2 Dominique's and 2 blue Andalusians) disappeared without a trace. No feather tufts laying around just gone. Yesterday afternoon I went out to feed my chickens and they were all there but when I went to close the coop last night I was missing one of my 8 month old Black australorps. Again no feather tufts around just gone. I haven't seen any sign of Coyotes in the area. I suspect a hawk for the smaller chickens but the only hawks in my area are significantly smaller than my Australorp. I'm going to hang some CD's in the area they range in but any other ideas what kills chickens without leaving evidence?

 

[Ducksandchickens]

Can you give a picture of the coop and some of the run please?

 

[Eggsoteric]

My guess would be fox, coyote or large cat.

 

[RWise]

Sounds to me as you have broodies on nests, next time you see them follow them back to their hideout.

 

[sbhkma]

Sounds to me as you have broodies on nests, next time you see them follow them back to their hideout.

I highly doubt 1-month old chicks are broody

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I highly doubt 1-month old chicks are [sitting]

But it is entirely possible that an 8 months old Australorp is in a motherly way.

 

[A.M. Eggs]

I would think hawk. It doesn't matter the size, they will pick them up.

 

[theoldchick]

A fox is really good at snatching a chicken without leaving a trace.

https://www.hobbyfarms.com/protect-your-chickens-from-foxes-3/

 

[BirdsInParadise]

Col. Sanders, maybe?

Whatever it is, I hope you find out before you have any more losses.

Good luck!!

 

[Unexpected chicken lover]

Ive lost quite a few babies to hawks this year...