Invisible Predator

[chickengeorgeto]

Yea, owls eat chickens, it is what they were designed to do.
A great horned owl is hard to mistake for a chicken . This makes me think that you must be dealing with another owl species like a barn, barred, or spotted owl, otherwise you wouldn't still have a feather to your name.

 

[blucoondawg]

Owls are not always 100% nocturnal either, they can and will attack during daylight hours if they feel so inclined, especailly just after dawn and just before dusk, they are still going to be active. They can attack at any time so you will have to keep a look out until the owl is confirmed to have left the area.

 

[calmwinds]

I would lock the chickens up for their safety. You mentioned that they like to be in the trees, they can be just as happy and comfortable in their house as they get used to it like they got used to the trees. For piece of mind that they will be safe I choose their house.

 

[Gallus Sapien]

X5 Maybe that owl was too small to take out your ckns, but the next one might be bigger.