Help! Three missing hens

[Mp157]

Hey all. I have 5 hens of various breeds that free range in my yard/property. A few days ago when I went to close up for the night I noticed three were gone which is not like them at all. Unfortunately, today my wife found the carcass of one partially covered by leaves. The head was gone and it was mangled up pretty good but we can’t tell what got to her. The other two are still missing. I’m hoping maybe they just ran away and will return. Any help or insight as to what got to it would be helpful. Thank you all!

 

[SilverBirds]

So sorry for your losses.

Sounds like it was a raccoon or a family of raccoons. The usually eat the head, breast, and insides, and leave the rest.

 

[KreetchaKeepa]

That stinks. I'm so sorry about your hens.

 

[McChooky]

Sorry for your loss! I made a chicken tractor to protect my flock from coyotes and other predators while they "free range". Maybe you could do something similar?

 

[TOR]

could be a fox also, since it was daylight? I am assuming you lock them up at night? This was during the day?
Raccoon will hunt though during the day and whatever it was will be back.