Lost my favorite chick

[canaday413]

For over a year we have allowed our chickens to free range in our large chain linked fenced backyard with no issues. Last night we came home to find nothing but the scattered feathers of two of our hens. Of course one of them was my most favorite hen, Cordelia, and I am heartbroken. She was the first hen I picked out a little over 3 years ago. She was more like a dog or cat than a chicken. Our flock won't be the same without her.

I am curious as to what got to them though. Our fence is 4ft tall and secure all around. From what I've read, it's not typical of a hawk to take off with a full grown hen. Much less, two full grown hens. We do have a lot of red fox around us but I don't know how it could have gotten in or out of the fence with two chickens?

Thoughts?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Could of been owls, or hawks, otherwise Fox are good at climbing.

 

[canaday413]

I found her. I climbed our back fence and went into the field behind it and I found her remains (only feathers) and the nasty scat right next to it. It’s definitely a Fox. It climbed our almost 5ft fence, got her and climbed back over with her. I’m glad I know what we are dealing with now at least. Why did it have to be her though?

I’m posting a picture for informative purposes. This is def fox scat.