Just happened

[Silkiechicken66]

Two of my hens(as far as I know) were attacked sometime tonight. Something tried to grab them by the necks, and they are in really bad shape. No wounds other than necks.
I have narcolepsy, and fell asleep this afternoon. My sister just got back from work and woke me up so we could put birds up. We went outside, and the yard is COVERED in feathers. One hen was on the porch. Other was next to the garden, I think something tried to carry her over the fence but she is a big sized hen. I’m tending to the wounds while my sister is doing a headcount. What could have done this? I have a feeling it was a cat or something, as there’s been a cat we’ve been trying to catch.

Edit: we just found a hen dead. No feathers missing, no wounds, just broken neck and dead.

 

[Silkiechicken66]

Not the best pictures but the best I can do right now.

 

[Silkiechicken66]

Other side of hens neck. I’m not as worried about their wounds as to what attacked them. If they make it through the night, I’ve got a vet I will take them to.

 

[Buckeye Amy]

Raptor. I’ve seen wounds like that too many times this past year. Now my run is covered. Owls and hawks might be your culprit.

 

[Silkiechicken66]

Raptor. I’ve seen wounds like that too many times this past year. Now my run is covered. Owls and hawks might be your culprit.

Thank you. A few weeks ago something beheaded one of my ducks, also believed to be a raptor.
I believe it may be an owl, as we started hearing something similar to one a month or so ago.
Whatever it was grabbed them by the neck and plucked loads of feathers. Both survived through the night though, and are drinking. I may set up some trail cams in the back, lately we are having so many weird occurrences.

 

[cmom]

What ever it was, is probably lurking and you may not even see it. If you have a game camera, put it up. The predator will be back for another try when you least expect it and then you will know what you are dealing with. I came across this camera that appears to be pretty decent for $32.99. I have 10 cameras around on my property and was amazed at the number of predators that roam here especially at night. Good luck...
https://www.amazon.com/Infrared-Wat...rail+game+camera,aps,275&sr=8-76&tag=backy-20

 

[centrarchid]

Be watching for fly strike on those damaged birds.

 

[Silkiechicken66]

What ever it was, is probably lurking and you may not even see it. If you have a game camera, put it up. The predator will be back for another try when you least expect it and then you will know what you are dealing with. I came across this camera that appears to be pretty decent for $32.99. I have 10 cameras around on my property and was amazed at the number of predators that roam here especially at night. Good luck...
https://www.amazon.com/Infrared-Wat...rail+game+camera,aps,275&sr=8-76&tag=backy-20

I’ve got motion sensored lights I’m setting up, and I’m going to invest in some game cameras. Thank you!

 

[Silkiechicken66]

Be watching for fly strike on those damaged birds.

They are inside in a room that doesn’t get flies, but I am cleaning the wounds twice a day(with regular checks in between) so I’ll keep an eye out!