missing chicken

[Mheitor]

So I have a secure coop that I lock my 6 girls up at night. And during a the day they are in a larger areas that is fenced in with a partial shade cover. When I checked on them around 4 pm one was missing except for a bunch of feathers on the floor of the coop. My husbands says he saw all six just 30 min earlier. What could have taken it? There isn't much space to get in or out of that area. I'm so sad.

 

[chicklover 1998]

Hawk? is it open?

 

[Mheitor]

Not really. No more than 2-4 inches here and there around the fence perimeter

 

[Mheitor]

Wondering if it's a bobcat

 

[chicklover 1998]

so you have a top on your run, ok well what time did this happen, time and darkness/lightness of the sky

 

[chicklover 1998]

did you see any prints/tracts

 

[Mheitor]

No but the ground is dry and there hay on the floor.

 

[chicklover 1998]

Well if they are common to your area then it def. is a possibility.

 

[PonyRaindrop]

Where were the feathers at? How big are the holes in the fencing? I have heard of raccoons and pests getting a hold of the chickens and pulling them through.

 

[Mheitor]

Most of the feathers were on the coop floor. But found what looks like blood on some of the wooden fence. And some feather about 2ft high and between the fences where they over lap. The gap is maybe 2-3 inches.