Lost 4 girls recently

[jp57]

This is my second year with chickens. I started out last year with 8 girls. Over the course of the year, I lost one bird to a predator, and one died. I got two new hens this year and got them acclimated with the remaining 6 birds that I had and everything was going great. A couple of weeks ago, when I went to close them in at night I noticed one was missing. I walked the property and couldn't find so much as a feather. Two nights ago, when closing them in another one was missing. Last night, 2 more were gone. I know it isn't a hawk because there is nothing left of them. My property is surrounded by cornfields, so I don't know if something is sneaking up on them from there. I have them locked in their enclosure for the day, but don't know what to do long term.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

So sorry for your losses!

 

[50-45-1]

Do you have a run to put them in while you figure out what is getting them?
Corn fields with tall corn are great cover for all kinds of chicken eating critters.
Confine chickens then put some trail cameras up.
It might be possible one of your girls went broody and is hiding out.
Do you have an outside dog?
A flock guardian is a great asset.

 

[jp57]

I have a run that I can confine them to. It's just not that big since they always free ranged. I checked all of the spots where they normally hide and couldn't find them. We do have 2 dogs. The one I would like to protect the girls is still a pup and tends to try to chase them. He hasn't gotten used to them yet.

 

[Soy Milano]

Perhaps you might want to consider building them a predator proof outdoor pen...here is a good infographic by poultryDVM with lots of tips on how to do that.

 

[Ginmary]

Excellent link! Thanks...

 

[dalasgalas]

Could they have snuck off? I "lost" one of mine last year only to find her roosting in the very top of my trumpet vine that grows along the fence.

 

[jp57]

The property is a 175 year old farm with 8 other buildings on 5 and a half acres with lots of places to hide. I have looked all over. I have a certain whistle that I do when I have treats that will get them running to me and that hasn't been able to make them appear. We are in the process of fencing in the property. It is going to be a fence that is designed to keep goats, dogs, and horses from escaping. Hopefully that will be enough to keep whatever is getting my girls out. They are not happy about being locked up all day, but they'll get over it.