How do I know what got my chickens?!

[Duker17]

The more I think about it, the more I think it had to have been coyotes. I have never seen a stray dog around here, but I sure can hear the coyotes howling at night! I guess it's time I finally take advantage of my dog that would be a great LGD, I just need to get the underground fence system in first....we live too close to a highway to let any dog run loose with no "supervision."

 

[dewey]

Sounds like coyotes to me. They grab and run without leaving a trace. Dogs will often just chase, kill, and leave them. Coyotes wouldn't be fussed at all by the horses or the dogs in a run, and they could easily take that many birds and more. I hope some of your birds escaped and show back up.

ETA: Just saw your post about the GD and wanted to add that a single dog or even a couple of them are usually no match for coyotes. Having several is the best bet.