Missing large flock

[2 Acres]

They could be hiding. I would check nearby.

Pray. It does work!

 

[2 Acres]

Some might show up. Sounds like a coyote or dog may have scattered them. Since the area is wooded they could be hiding, I agree. Good luck.

A few years back I missed a head count on my birds. When I figured out what had happened, I was worried to death.

The next morning I found the missing hen in the pine trees. She acted like nothing had happened.

The scary part was that the time... we had a badger in the area.

 

[MROO]

I came home to all my chickens missing today. Not uncommon, as they like to hang out in the woods when it’s hot/raining. I soon noticed a pile of feathers so I went to investigate. Turns out, 13 out of my 21 chickens were gone. I only found 2 piles of feathers (which I presume were a hawk). Could the rest just have ran to hide in the woods and not come back? Or would something have eaten them all….

I waiting until dark, and none had returned unfortunately.

Did any more of your biddies come home and did you figure out what spooked them?

 

[Bawkbok]

@MJFlan - Have your chickens returned home yet? How is the remainder of your flock doing?

 

[MJFlan]

Unfortunately we are now down to 4….(from starting with 24)
Only 2 came back, one was dead behind our AC unit with no markings or any signs of injury. About a week later I watched a fox take off with one and then 3 more disappeared within the next two days. So it seems we have a large predator issue. Will have to make some adaptations to add a run and only let them out supervised hen we replenish our flock next year.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

So sorry for your losses.

 

[MROO]

Unfortunately we are now down to 4….(from starting with 24)
Only 2 came back, one was dead behind our AC unit with no markings or any signs of injury. About a week later I watched a fox take off with one and then 3 more disappeared within the next two days. So it seems we have a large predator issue. Will have to make some adaptations to add a run and only let them out supervised hen we replenish our flock next year.

I'm SO sorry! Electric fencing (or netting) is your friend! A good "shock treatment" is the only reliable deterrent I've found for a persistent fox or raccoon!

 

[McChooky]

I agree with those who've suggested you get an electric fence because once a fox has successfully hunted your chickens it won't stop until the last one is gone.I suggest staggering the times you release and lock them up so the foxes can't predict when they'll be out (or plan another attack!)Sorry for your loss!

 

[MJFlan]

I agree with those who've suggested you get an electric fence because once a fox has successfully hunted your chickens it won't stop until the last one is gone.I suggest staggering the times you release and lock them up so the foxes can't predict when they'll be out (or plan another attack!)Sorry for your loss!

Thank you! The four we have left are small bantams and have learned to fly into the trees, so we should be hopefully ok until next year! Until then, we are going to do what we can to try and trap the fox(s) to get them out of the area!

 

[MROO]

Thank you! The four we have left are small bantams and have learned to fly into the trees, so we should be hopefully ok until next year! Until then, we are going to do what we can to try and trap the fox(s) to get them out of the area!

Removing the fox is a short-term fix. Another will move into the territory as soon as your current resident's scent markers fade. Check your local laws, too. In many places it's illegal to relocate wildlife. It's weird. We can terminate varmints, but not move 'em.