Jackel or Fox took my rooster?

[Pelops]

Last week, I returned from a 3 hour trip into town, I was gutted to find my Deathlayer Rooster missing (I think there'd been a power cut while I was out).

On close inspection, it looks like whatever took him entered the through the automatic coop door and pinned him in the corner. It then carried him away across the back field, as there was a track of feathers.

I'm in Bulgaria and have foxes, badgers, golden Jackel and beech martens entering my property from the adjacent land, all caught on wildlife cameras.

I presume he put up a fight protecting the other hens (1x Deathlayer, 3x Blue Copper Marans, 4x Silverudd’s Blue Isbars) and the other rooster (Maran).

I'm presently beefing up security and have ordered a stronger energiser for my electric fence (Hotline Peragrine 4.8 Joules (7 stored).

2 Questions -

I'm wondering what would have taken him, Jackel or Fox?

And, Is that too powerful an energiser for a 50 metre fence, as I don't want to harm the chickens?
Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Fox will often go I side to snatch birds than they carry them away. Sometimes with a feather trail. I'm not familiar with the other predators you have.

Not sure about the fencer. We use regular fencers for livestock, and it hasn't caused any harm. We use strands of electric fencing. The mesh fencing can sometimes entangle birds, so I can't comment on that.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

That is a cute little coop! It must be bigger than it appears though, if it fits 9 hens. May I suggest you consider adding some ventilation? A good recommendation is one square foot of ventilation for each hen. It needs to be above their heads when they roost. Lack of ventilation can result in a buildup of ammonia, which can be toxic. It can also build up condensation, which in winter can result in frostbite on combs snd wattles.