hELP! UNKOWN PREDATOR!!!!

[5sallad5]

Ok, so I went to see fire works last night. I came back around 2:00 and dident see or hear anything wrong. So, I woke up at 9:00 and my brother said the cornish was under a bush with a red spot. So, it was true she was attacked in one place on her side. So, then I went to see the other chickens. I found my ee roo, rir, and slw between bushes. I filled up water and they came out. They were all fine. Then I went to take a water to marshmellow the cornish, and she came out, but went back in the bushes. The other 3 went into there bushes too. So, I went to the front yard and saw white feathers in a trail from marshmellow. Then I remembered there was one chicken left! So I saw a clump of feathers. Not that many though. I looked in the coop and nothing or no chicken was in there. So, I'm missing a ee hen. But, the real problem is, WHO DID IT? A stray cat that my neighbors forgot has been living on our porch. My mom says it cant be him because he is too thin. I really dont no if a cat did it or not. I've NEVER seen a racoon ANYWHERE on my property but it could happen. In conclusion, what animal would just leave feathers, a bite mark the size of a medium sized rock, and can see stuff in bushes. Thanks for reading this! I really need your help!

 

[Boyd]

guessing coon

 

[5sallad5]

It dident rip off any heads or any thing. What ever it was it should die.

 

[MysticScorpio82]

Could have been a number of predators, coon, that stray cat you have seen or even a possum. Just because the cat is skinny doesnt mean it would attack a chicken...actually it gives it MORE reason to attack a chicken because it is hungry and thus more bold. I am not saying that the cat did do this, I am just saying it is possible. Here is a link for predator identifacation. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=18670

Based on that link I am leaning towards coon or possum, but read through it for yourself. Something may stand out that you didn't think of before. I hope you catch the predator because now that it knows there is an easy meal around, it will be back.

I am sorry for your loss

 

[IggiMom]

I, too, would guess coon. They are awful.

If you are feeding the kitty it probably would not attack the hen, would be my guess, but if she is hungry she might.

But a coon is more likely in my opinion.

Or a fox, too.

There are so many things out there to attack chickens.

Catherine

 

[Judy]

I agree the cat is unlikely, they tend to be afraid once they've been pecked. There are several possibilities. Besides those already mentioned, skunk comes to mind. You could have a mink or released ferret or any of a number of other things around. If you've been feeding the cat or seen it catching things like mice, I'd say that about rules out the cat, though anything is possible.

 

[mmwb]

The only doubt I have on coon, is that I've not seen where they aren't thorough in finishing the job. I may be mistaken, but believe it is rare for a bird to survive a coon attack. I doubt the cat and a weasel wouldn't drag an adult sized bird too far. Skunk is a high probability. Don't overlook canines. A fox or dog are also likely and if they grab a bird and it gets away, they will just grab the next nearest. What ever it was, expect it back.

 

[Bizzybirdy]

Am thinking racoon also...have had one White Rock hen sitting outside, in a corner of a building, that survived a racoon attack.

She lost all her tail feathers but got away! Only one I know of here that did though.