OK, since I can't remember how to edit a thread title, I'm starting a new thread altogether. After losing 5 pullets in 2 days, I separated my flock and have been keeping the two new flocks in their coop/runs for a few weeks. Hubby got done with fieldwork, is mostly around the place now, so I thought it would be OK to let the chickens out on alternating days. We started that last week. Well, today I noticed that my "old" rooster (hatched last year) is missing. Found a trail of some feathers at the edge of the now-dug bean field. That flock was out yesterday - DH was gone for maybe an hour, dog was loose, but up at the house when DH got home. I'm still not sure what to think Has anyone else had a dog kill a chicken and leave no more evidence than a few feathers? Every other time we've had dogs kill chickens, they were happy to bring their prized up to the doorstep for me to see. This one does bury things, though. But I haven't found any new dug up places, either. Would the dog follow the same pattern (taking chickens in the same place), or are they more random (carcasses in different areas? I guess my chickens will not free range again for some time. I know, I'm really trying to avoid the thought that it could be my dog. Denial? Maybe. Baffled? Definitely.
In talking further with DH, he said he did lock that coop up early on Tues. because there were chickens in there roosting, but he apparently missed one or two because Wed. morning there was one wandering around outside the run... So it's possible that he also locked out the rooster. I'm now leaning quite positively toward coyote.
In talking further with DH, he said he did lock that coop up early on Tues. because there were chickens in there roosting, but he apparently missed one or two because Wed. morning there was one wandering around outside the run... So it's possible that he also locked out the rooster. I'm now leaning quite positively toward coyote.
Last edited:
