Hawk or Flock Killing

[BDutch]

It’s possible a hawk or another predator killed the chicken, had a few bites and left the body for scavengers (maybe a buzzard, rats or chickens).

If you haven’t seen it happening it’s a guess. Examining the poop might give a clue.

And sorry for your loss of course.

 

[Dreamers Nook]

yeah. same thing happened back in 2019- 2020 ish, when I had my first flock, and stupidly housed them together.
the meat birds accidentally drowned the bantam when they crowded around the waterer, and I had some absolutely vicious hatchery quality RIR, who started actively trying to eat the broilers. the RIR are also suspected of killing my Americana.

Yeah, this is my 2nd batch of broilers this year even. I didn't have any issues the first time. I don't have any RIR, mostly wyandottes of various colors and bantams. But I also introduced some Marans and Prairies, no problem.
I definitely intend to keep broilers separated from now on.