I am also missing of my chickens under similar circumstances. I searched the threads for missing chicken and came across yours. Our 5-month-old chickens range on our three acres, and we check on them often. I went out after dinner to water the garden, and it was still day light. As usual, the chickens ran up to greet me...minus one. I began looking for her, as they sometimes like to hide under the porch, a large shrub, in the shed, etc. I put the other chickens (and our ducks) inside and combed the entire property for over an hour. I saw no trace of her, dead or alive. I even took a flashlight and looked along the brush lines between our property and the neighbors. I expected the worst, because she usually comes when I call. It's worth mentioning that we had two 10-week guinea fowl killed about a year ago at dusk (bite to the neck, one eaten on site, one simply killed). I realize that she probably isn't going to surface after two days missing, but I'm wondering what type of predator would leave absolutely no trace and attack in daylight with people nearby. I read the BYC predator article, which indicated that a fox, bobcat, or hawk could attack in daylight. I'm baffled, because it sounds as if most predators will at least leave behind some feathers that were lost in the struggle. If anyone can offer insight, I'd appreciate it.
