I just don’t understand how...

[chickenmomma16]

I’m sorry to hear about your hen.

In instances where one of my hens was taken without a trace, it was a fox. Hopefully your coop and run are secure because no matter what predator it was, it will unfortunately be back.

Unfortunately now my birds have a taste of freedom. But I’ll have to lock them up sadly. The runs and coop are very secure. Just too small for the growing juveniles. I don’t think we have foxes in my immediate area. Coyotes are big here, I’ve seen bobcat, raccoon, opossum, hawks, eagles, vultures, a rogue dog once. No foxes though. Neighbors have seen signs of cougar too.

 

[cmom]

My thought would be a bobcat, fox or coyote, maybe cougar. If you have a game camera, put it up and see what is roaming on your property. I love my cameras and was surprised at the predators that roam around here especially at night. What ever it is it has probably been lurking looking for an opportunity. My most favorite bird was taken by a fox during the middle of the day when I was out working on the coops. I did catch and eliminate it. It was mangy and stinky. Good luck...

 

[Punkybrewster]

Fox are the only predator i know of that you never see and can take a chicken in seconds without leaving feathers behind. Not a sound was made either.

I lost several hens in a month while outside with them and turned my back.

Even the dog didnt notice.

Eventually i saw it happen and that was the end of free ranging. Never did catch that fox. Their sly .....

Just my experience.

 

[aart]

My thought would be a bobcat, fox or coyote, maybe cougar.

Ditto Dat.

 

[jreardon1918]

I second a camera or two. Will show you what is lurking.

 

[chickenmomma16]

I second a camera or two. Will show you what is lurking.

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I’m going to start a new thread about camera recommendations. Seriously thinking about cameras now. I hate loosing birds!