How did my chicken die?

[tjp42]

First time post, so please forgive the ignorance. I had four laying hens and a small silkie rooster. My chickens were all different breeds but purchased at the same time, so all were about the same age. My smallest hen, a Belgian D'uclee was found dead this morning. She had not been sick. There was no sign of a predator entering the chicken pen. There were several of her feathers at the corner of the pen and she was lying in the middle surrounded by feathers. There was one tiny speck of blood on her. The chickens were all fine at dusk last night. As I was leaving for work, I saw her. The pen is covered with chicken wire. And the fence is 8ft chain link with chicken wire around the perimeter. Again, no sign of a predator. Any ideas?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

A lot of feathers scattered about spells predator.
That's just my opinion.
I hope you figure it out because it's really devastating when you encounter it.

 

[tjp42]

Thanks for your input. We now think it may have been a weasel.
I'm new to raising chickens, so lesson learned I suppose. Thanks again.

 

[nicole camp]

I was just about to say weasel or large rat. I had a similar problem with my bantams before. Try getting a larger rooster. My rooster ended up killing the weasel for me. Sorry for you loss. They are hard to get rid of.

 

[tjp42]

I was just about to say weasel or large rat. I had a similar problem with my bantams before. Try getting a larger rooster. My rooster ended up killing the weasel for me. Sorry for you loss. They are hard to get rid of. 

 

[tjp42]

Thanks so much!