Missing Hen help

[greymane]

Since we got chickens, the foxes that used to be seen rarely and at a distance are now seen frequently and sometimes at the edge of the lawn.

 

[M.sue]

Ohhh, I don't think we have them here in Michigan, at least I havn't seen any, maybe in the Upper Peninsula. They sound like something out of a scary movie! lol
Quote:
Nope. Big ugly black vultures. They usually feed on carrion but have been known to kill livestock on occasion.

 

[Bizzybirdy]

Foxes will take their kill and not leave a trace and they will come out during the day. I had a fox kill both of my male ducks at 9:30 in the morning! I saw it but didn't have my gun with me.

 

[Carolyn]

To repeat: foxes will come out in broad daylight and snatch a chicken and leave no clues or perhaps a small handful of feathers. I know because I saw him out the window and he and my grown roo were gone before I could get to the door. The first time I saw a fox get one he was plucking the hen in the yard and I was able to save that one but they have given me a lot of problem since and that is the only time they have left significant sign. Foxes are stealthy. I would suggest an electric fence. We have buzzards and I have never known them to kill a chicken. Hawks will do a swoop and snatch especially on smaller birds but ususally I see a hawk in the area casing the set up before he acts. Dogs, cats, racoons will all kill in daylight but usually the body does not disappear. However, if chickens are frightened by one predator they may go into hiding and either return safely later or be caught later by that predator or a different one.

Sorry for you losses, it is perhaps the worst part of having chickens.