Four chickens missing in a day

[Jenny421]

Do you have an estimated time of day they went missing? Foxes are known to take multiple birds at a time.

Unfortunately I don’t. I’m home all day and go out often to check on the chickens, but they aren’t always together so I don’t realize any are truly missing until the evening.

 

[Jenny421]

This is hard, sorry about the missing hens. I don't have any other advice besides maybe keeping them penned up for a couple days. Most predators, once they have an easy meal will come back for more.

Yeah, it sucks. I know it’s the risk with free range. I’m planning on keeping them penned up for the next few days.

 

[Jenny421]

It could be coyotes, depending on where you live. All of my losses have been due to coyotes and they can definitely take a bird and run off with it. I even saw one running down the street with a chicken in its mouth. It's an unfortunate aspect of letting them roam I wish it wasn't so.

We have seen some and definitely heard more lately. It’s quite possible. I think we might be going on a coyote hunt soon. I know it won’t help get the whole pack, but maybe it’ll stop the few that are targeting the flock.

 

[Aunt Angus]

We have seen some and definitely heard more lately. It’s quite possible. I think we might be going on a coyote hunt soon. I know it won’t help get the whole pack, but maybe it’ll stop the few that are targeting the flock.

And vengeance can be therapeutic.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I’ll check that out. We need to expand the run before winter. The hawks were ruthless last winter with no leaves on the trees. Maybe we can also have an area with the netting to give them even more space.

This is exactly what we did. Electric poultry netting with aviary netting over the top.

 

[WIchickMama]

This is hard, sorry about the missing hens. I don't have any other advice besides maybe keeping them penned up for a couple days. Most predators, once they have an easy meal will come back for more.

 

[Jenny421]

And vengeance can be therapeutic.

Lol! Yes indeed.