Graphic photo.. what do you think did this?

[JulieBeth07]

We lost a white leghorn today. They have an area where they free range during the day. We have 26 hens, a roo, and 6 ducks. It almost looks like something tried to dig underneath the fencing, hit hardware cloth and stopped. Originally all I found were feathers. After a little further looking, I found what was left of her pulled through the cattle fencing. IYO ... what do you think this was? I'm thinking a bold coon in the middle of the day. We do also have hawks (during the day) coyote, bobcats, opossums... who knows what else.

My dogs hadn't been out there today, maybe unfortunately. I'm hoping whatever it is doesn't come back. Should I keep them all in their coop/secured run?

Attaching a short video and a couple pictures. Thanks in advance... predators suck.

https://youtube.com/shorts/zK1OJzJlykw

 

[Mmanist]

I suspect work of a racoon!

 

[CluckerFamily]

I am so sorry.
I agree with you in thinking it was a raccoon.

 

[webmistress32]

Raccoons are wasteful and leave a lot behind. Looks like raccoon.

 

[JCaseyHammond]

We lost a white leghorn today. They have an area where they free range during the day. We have 26 hens, a roo, and 6 ducks. It almost looks like something tried to dig underneath the fencing, hit hardware cloth and stopped. Originally all I found were feathers. After a little further looking, I found what was left of her pulled through the cattle fencing. IYO ... what do you think this was? I'm thinking a bold coon in the middle of the day. We do also have hawks (during the day) coyote, bobcats, opossums... who knows what else.

My dogs hadn't been out there today, maybe unfortunately. I'm hoping whatever it is doesn't come back. Should I keep them all in their coop/secured run?

Attaching a short video and a couple pictures. Thanks in advance... predators suck.

https://youtube.com/shorts/zK1OJzJlykw

I’m sorry for your loss. The damage to your bird reminds me of losing my white Easter Egger during the day to a hawk. The digging disturbance could be by a raccoon, skunk or dog/fox/coyote. I would observe for any more clues, because successful predators have a habit of returning.

 

[JulieBeth07]

Thank you everyone! Do you think I should keep them away from free ranging for a bit?

 

[Artichoke Lover]

Thank you everyone! Do you think I should keep them away from free ranging for a bit?

I would there’s a good chance it will come back in the next few days. If it found one meal it will likely come back for another. I would keep them up for at least a few days to a few weeks. I personally don’t let mine out unless I’m there to watch them because of predators.

 

[Artichoke Lover]

Also consider setting up a game camera. This will let you see any predators that have been stalking around you coop/run.

 

[JulieBeth07]

I would there’s a good chance it will come back in the next few days. If it found one meal it will likely come back for another. I would keep them up for at least a few days to a few weeks. I personally don’t let mine out unless I’m there to watch them because of predators.

I was thinking so. I'll be keeping a close eye on them. Free ranging has its benefits and draw backs for sure.

 

[cmom]

So sorry for your loss. Sad to say but when you free range it's a risk you take and you will loose a bird/birds sooner or later to a predator. Lessons learned the hard way. There are very few poultry owners who free range that haven't lost a bird/birds to predators. It will be back. I have several cameras up on my property. Here most of the predators roam at night. I have gotten to where I can identify some by markings or injuries. They seem to have sort of routines and routes. Sometimes you won't see a particular predator and then it shows up on a camera. I got tired of loosing birds. I have pens but many years ago I made them larger. My land is mostly open pasture so there is no place for the birds to hide. Now when I open their gate they may come out but before I realize it they are all back in their pens where I think they feel safe. I have electric wires around my coops and pens, good heavy duty netting covering the pens and concrete under the gates all due to losses from predators in the past. Good luck and I hope you find out what you're dealing with. As I said it will be back. Your birds have been discovered. Again, good luck...