Missing chicken

[Kimber_Leeann]

So I posted here a few days ago about one of my chickens dying after eating a screw. Now another is missing but there are no signs of where it could have gone. I was working in the garden which is right next to my chicken run. I heard a ruckus and lots of clucking and ran to see what was going on. I did a hen count and one is missing. Any idea what could have gotten ahold of her that quick? No feathers on the ground or any sign of a predator. Could something have snatched her and jumped the fence? I’m at a loss right now and am ready to give my girls to someone who is more knowledgeable about them and can keep them safe. It is tearing me up that two of my girls are gone because of me

 

[CluckerFamily]

My guess would be a raptor of some sort. Do they have protection from aerial attacks?

 

[Kimber_Leeann]

Oh I didn’t even think that it might have been a bird. My neighbors told me there are hawks in the area but I’ve never seen one. I’m new to this neighborhood which is in a rural area, and while my neighbors have helped me along the way I still have a lot to learn. Part of the run is covered and the other half is open...looks like I have my next project

 

[BigBlueHen53]

First, I am sorry for your losses, please accept my condolences. But second, please don't be so hard on yourself! Your chickens are not gone because of anything you did or didn't do at this point. Please don't blame yourself. Chicken keeping is a very risky business, fraught with dangers! We all had to learn the hard way, and none of us learned without painful losses. That's why BYC is here - to share with one another, to learn from each other, to find out what works and what doesn't, as we go about the business of trying to keep these very charming, and very VULNERABLE little critters safe! You are not the first to post "what got my baby????" along with "I just turned my back for a second!" and "not even a feather is left behind!" It's devastating! But we're here for you. We may not have conclusive answers ... but we care, and we'll try to help you keep it from happening again. Please don't be discouraged. It's a learning process, but you can succeed, and you will. And it's SO worth it! I promise!

 

[Weeg]

Likely a bird, you can hang bird scare ribbons to help, but he bet way to get rid of them is to cover a run with fishing net, or have lots of run in shelters or covers near by so they can run from raptors, during free range. Or you can stand out there with them while they are out. Good luck, Avery

 

[CluckerFamily]

Backyard Chickens is a great resource to learn everything!!! It is tough to lose a member.
I would start with covering the rest of the run. If it found a food source it will be back over and over again.
If it isn't too hot outside and you have room in the coop, I would keep them locked in the coop with food and water until the run is refixed.
If you have a trail camera, this may help in the future.
Another thought is a rooster. I was adamant I would never get a rooster and then I found a rooster. The rooster does crow all day and night but while the ladies are pecking around, he is watching for predators and he will make a sound to tell the ladies to run to the coop (safety). He will also sacrifice his life to the predator for the ladies to be safe in the coop (I have never had one at the point where he needs to sacrifice himself, he is part of the family).

 

[Weeg]

Here are some links, all of these are good! I suggest the last link, but it is pretty pricy.

 

[Weeg]

Rooster is a great idea! great predator defense!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Backyard Chickens is a great resource to learn everything!!! It is tough to lose a member.
I would start with covering the rest of the run. If it found a food source it will be back over and over again.
If it isn't too hot outside and you have room in the coop, I would keep them locked in the coop with food and water until the run is refixed.
If you have a trail camera, this may help in the future.
Another thought is a rooster. I was adamant I would never get a rooster and then I found a rooster. The rooster does crow all day and night but while the ladies are pecking around, he is watching for predators and he will make a sound to tell the ladies to run to the coop (safety). He will also sacrifice his life to the predator for the ladies to be safe in the coop (I have never had one at the point where he needs to sacrifice himself, he is part of the family).

I have 30 chickens including 2 roosters. I found out by accident that, assuming you have enough hens to justify it, 2 roosters are better than one. We had a hawk attack and one roo led the girls to safety while the other covered their retreat and did battle. He sacrificed himself but we had no other losses. I have replaced him with a Black Jersey Giant. Haven't seen any hawks since but I feel like if any come around, we're ready for it.

 

[Kimber_Leeann]

Thank you all for the kind words and suggestions. I think this is hitting me hard because it is my second loss in three days. I feel like I’m cursed or something! I have been battling the raccoons and feral cats but was unprepared for air attacks lol