Lost our first chicken

[Wol1]

Today, when I went to check on the chickens around 10 am, I realized one of our Golden Comets was missing. At first, I looked for a wandering chicken. Finding nothing I went back to the run and looked more closely. Feathers. About three piles of them, several from a life and death fight along the fence. A little bit of skin attached to the feathers. I searched for two hours and found no body or body parts. I think it happened this morning, although I am sick with the thought that I may have made a mistake on the head count last night and shut her out. The only place there was a possibility of getting in and out was a dip in the ground near where the feathers were by the fence. I knew this would happen sometime, but I feel so sad. She was such a sweet chicken and it must have been such an awful, terrifying end.

 

[sourland]

Good luck, and be on guard - it will return. Sorry for your loss.

 

[Mpks92]

If there's any chance or hole to exploit. Critters will do so. Skunks, possums coons foxes etc. There all persistent little turds. Bury some wire around the base. Then if they dig under they don't get far. Plus you can use a safe and humane trap. But beware if you catch a skunk! Dispatching them is messy business. Lol.