Hawk attack.... i think

[Jdub1269]

So i has 6 silkies and 4 production reds and they free range our backyard everyday. I let them out as usual yesterday morning and when i came home around 3 i couldn’t find any of them. After looking for about a half hour one of the silkies came out from under the deck. I looked and found another under the deck. Then i found the production reds hiding under my utility trailer. All together i only found 4 of my silkies. I found a pile of feathers near my pool steps and about 60 feet away under some small trees found another pile of feathers that appeared like it came from the same bird. The second pile of feathers i found some bones in. I could not locate any feathers that looked like the other missing silkie. Could it be hiding somewhere? and i know there is a hawk around but why would it move its prey? The missing silkie is 16 weeks so it is a good sized bird. Any thoughts on what could have done it? or if maybe the other one is hiding? It has been almost a day.

 

[Jdub1269]

sorry i meant to add these to my post. The chicken that is missing is a reddish brown.

 

[casportpony]

Sorry for your losses. Maybe it was a fox?

 

[centrarchid]

The behavioral responses can be done for hawks something like a fox. Multiple kills, especially with carcass removed does not suggest a hawk, especially if lost birds have any size. During day multiple kills with carcass removed does follow pattern I associate with fox.

 

[LaFleche]

You might want to keep the Silkies in a secured run as they are unfit for free ranging being unable to fly and run fast due to their innate breeds specifics.

 

[Jdub1269]

the one silkie returned around noon today. i have no idea where it was hiding. lol