Hen killed

[Chris Fannin]

Found one of my hens dead. Her head was off, laying under her. Her stomach was opened & her intestines pulled out. No other damage was done. It was just left.
Any ideas as to what could have killed her?
They were free ranging at the time. Only one was killed.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Sounds like a hawk or large bird of prey attacked her.

 

[WVduckchick]

Rats, skunks, possums will partially eat them. prey birds usually remove the whole bird, if they can, or only leave feathers. Unless interrupted.

Try this
http://www.poultrydvm.com/predator-identifier.php

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

They were free ranging at the time. Only one was killed.

What time were they free ranging?

 

[chickencheeper]

Definitely a weasel

 

[chickencheeper]

Intestines ripped out and head missing is a huge calling card of the weasel. You can set up a simple tube and rat trap with chicken meat as bait like this

 

[dpenning]

Rats, skunks, possums will partially eat them. prey birds usually remove the whole bird, if they can, or only leave feathers. Unless interrupted.

Try this
http://www.poultrydvm.com/predator-identifier.php

That is a great resource, thanks for posting!

 

[sourland]

Very unusual in my experience for a raptor to eviscerate a bird. GHO will eviscerate a rabbit and then eat in place or fly off with it, but not fowl. Mammals that eviscerate ? Opossums for sure - after that I am not certain. Have never dealt with a mink of weasel that eviscerated. Generally they made multiple kills and 'cached' bodies.

 

[Chris Fannin]

What time were they free ranging?

Most of the day. As was usual, for over a month. Neighbor has his out more, no problems.