Hidden predator?

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

Hey guys, I was free ranging my flock when, I saw my barred rock hen’s comb was bloody. This has been happening every 2 weeks or so to another chicken. It might be the pecking order. Or it might be a predator in the coop! Where I live, there are possums, raccoons, squirrels, (harmless), hawks, and once I caught a rat. (I didn’t kill it). A predator might have attacked my hen. She is very fast and hard to catch so, the predator could have just grazed her. I want to know what could have hurt her. I don’t know if I should do a coop check? So please, if you know what might be going on, please help.
Thanks in advance and, Happy Holidays!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Sounds like pecking order... can you post pics?

ETA: squirrels are rodents and they aren't harmless.

If there were a raccoon or opossum in your coop your birds would have much more than a bloody comb...

 

[Ducksandchickens]

Pictures would be great. Sounds like another chicken pecked the comb. Might as well check the coop... but don’t you check it everyday? You should if you don’t!

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

I do check my coop everyday. I think if it is a predator it might be behind the coop.

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

But, the hen above is hig in the pecking order. She and her sister are.

 

[keesmom]

That's a very minor injury from another hen. A predator would have done much, much worse.

Squirrels aren't harmless as has been mentioned. Tree rats will eat eggs and baby birds.

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

The picture looks like nothing but, I did wipe off the blood. Also, her comb seemed to be twisted slightly. Also, the squirrels here I’m sure are harmless. The most they’ve done is take some small objects for their nest. Also, the hens seem to hate the squirrels and they chase them away. Thanks for replying!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Ya.. that doesn't look serious and I would think it was pecking order or even in a hurry and got caught on a bush type thing.

Not something that would have me worried about predators... I'm SURE they are out there... but that isn't THIS issue (IMO).

Pretty gal.. I have a barred Rock top hen as well... In my first and now my second flock... must be their calm confidence.

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

Thanks for replying! She is very pretty. Her two sisters hav floppy combs. Hers is the only one that stands up!