Lost a hen this week to a ?

[Hatrick]

Our birds free range on our three acres and are in a locked barn at night with the only access through an electric fence. I have no intention of locking them up during the day, however the other day I heard some strange squawking and didn't think much of it, then I noticed one of our hens was missing but with three acres I didn't think much of it...until I really counted one day and there was someone definitely missing.

Well...today I found her. Whatever attacked her did it during the day I believe (hence the squawking) and dragged her underneath a pile of fence posts. The area under there is very small and narrow and whatever dragged her under there would have had to have fit. Her head is missing but I'm not really sure what else. This was a full size Rhode Island Red, although she was the smallest of the flock. Any thoughts on what would have done this? I'm concerned whatever it was will be back and I'm not sure how to deal with it.

 

[satay]

I am not sure where you are located but I am guessing the U.S somewhere. I would guess a fox.Foxes will attack in daylight and they will sometimes do it during the day even if you are close by and they can get themselves in very small places. Could be a racoon too i guess as i don't live in the U.S not sure if they attack during the day.