HELP identify predator

[chicksdigme2]

Hello. We have had 12 chickens (now 11) for about 5 months. They are free range birds and we have a very secure coop that they sleep in. We are new to chickens and we lost our first hen two days ago. We were heart broken. We were not around so we didn't see how it happened or what predator did it. So I am trying to determine what predator it was.

When we discovered the scene, there were feathers from at least 2 or three chickens scattered in several different places. Our Barred Rock which we called Z (because she looked like a Zebra) was killed with no remains left anywhere. I don't even see feathers from her. One other hens has been visibly injured and we see the red feathers scattered in the back. The other black feathers are from yet another hen, but I'm not sure which one. The others seem unharmed though visibly shaken. All of the chickens are now very skiddish.

Our first reaction was that it was a hawk, but then would a hawk scatter feathers all over the yard? And I did see some droppings (scat) by one of the piles of feathers. It doesn't look like a hawk to me but I am not sure (see photo below)

What signs should I look for to determine what ate my chicken? We live on acreage and we have seen bobcats and raccoons before, but not recently. We have seen hawks overhead. O...one more thing. It happened during the day, not at night.

Any insight would be great. Thanks

 

[sannabelle]

My first though is fox- just because the whole bird was taken. They usually hunt at night, but around this time of year they may still have kits they are trying to feed, so they may hunt during the day. We have had a fox problem for a couple years now but haven't had any losses since getting our LGD out and working.

Could be a hawk- but seems odd to me that more than one of your birds was injured. Also would have to be a somewhat large hawk to carry away the bird out of your area.

I don't know anything about bobcats- we don't have them here, but someone else can probably shed some light there!

Sorry for your loss I know it really stinks.

 

[Poultrybreeder]

Have you thought about Coyotes? It is unusual for them to make an appearance in the day, but it could be possible if no one was home. Sorry for your loss I hope you catch the predator!

 

[Molpet]

http://www.avianaquamiser.com/posts/What_killed_my_chicken__63__/

http://ouroneacrefarm.com/poultry-predator-identification-a-guide-to-tracks-and-sign/