Nothing left but a pile of feathers

[AlliJackson]

I am so sad. My favorite hen Rosie (she's a cochin) is gone. I keep her and my 4 pullets (6 month old EE) in a run. There are plenty of places for them to hide, either in the coop or under the coop. There is a 4ft tall fence surrounding the run and coop. I checked on them yesterday morning and they were fine. By the time I got home from work, Rosie was gone. Nothing but a pile of feathers. The 4 pullets all looked scared and wouldn't even come near me (they usually all greet me and run towards me wanting to be petted). This happened in broad daylight. No bones or carcass. Just a pile of feathers. What could it be? Fox? Hawk? And what can I do to prevent it from happening again? I've seen both of those predators around since I've lived here. I'm attaching pics of my run & coop for reference

 

[cmom]

So sorry for your loss. It could have been most any predator. If you have a camera put it up because the predator will be back and then you will know for sure what you're dealing with.
http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

 

[AlliJackson]

Update: it was a fox. Saw it this morning. Had gotten another one. Got one of the EE pullets. I've put the remaining 3 pullets in the coop and shut the door while I'm at work today. What works best? Electric fence? Coyote pee? Shooting them?

 

[McChooky]

I am so sad. My favorite hen Rosie (she's a cochin) is gone. I keep her and my 4 pullets (6 month old EE) in a run. There are plenty of places for them to hide, either in the coop or under the coop. There is a 4ft tall fence surrounding the run and coop. I checked on them yesterday morning and they were fine. By the time I got home from work, Rosie was gone. Nothing but a pile of feathers. The 4 pullets all looked scared and wouldn't even come near me (they usually all greet me and run towards me wanting to be petted). This happened in broad daylight. No bones or carcass. Just a pile of feathers. What could it be? Fox? Hawk? And what can I do to prevent it from happening again? I've seen both of those predators around since I've lived here. I'm attaching pics of my run & coop for refere

Update: it was a fox. Saw it this morning. Had gotten another one. Got one of the EE pullets. I've put the remaining 3 pullets in the coop and shut the door while I'm at work today. What works best? Electric fence? Coyote pee? Shooting them?

You have a nice set up so you won't have to do a lot.Throw a heavy netting over the top and add an electric fence around it.I bought an electric fence charger thats good for 15 acres.Nothing else stops predators from killing them but building a fortress that'll keep them out.I cuss the predators every time I have to unlock a dozen latches to gather eggs or get inside the coop.They're pretty darn good at opening doors too.

 

[McChooky]

Update: it was a fox. Saw it this morning. Had gotten another one. Got one of the EE pullets. I've put the remaining 3 pullets in the coop and shut the door while I'm at work today. What works best? Electric fence? Coyote pee? Shooting them?

Unfortunately you can't shoot every predator within 5-10 miles for 3 hens you have left but you can put an electric fence around it that'll deter them all.Once you get it up bait it so they'll test it and get zapped in the mouth.Your fence will protect your chickens if you put a couple strands of 7000-10000 volts.Starting 4 inches from the bottom go 6 above that then 10 and 12 (or whatevers best for your situation) It needs netting on top.I found one on Ebay for $40 bucks shipping included (15 mile)

 

[Callender Girl]

Mostly just wanted to say that I am sorry for the loss of Rosie and your other hen. I hope you can keep the others safe.

 

[AlliJackson]

Thank you for your help. I am keeping the 3 girls locked in the coop while I'm at work and letting them wall around the run when I am home. I'm putting up electric fence and will look into netting for the top. So far, only signs of the fox are footprints. He apparently comes to see them still while they are locked in the coop.

 

[Callender Girl]

Glad they are staying safe. Maybe he will eventually give up when he realizes he can't reach them any more. Good luck!

 

[Kaesi2020]

Sorry for your loss trench and screening the run and coop will prevent digging and a roof of some sort will prevent the climbing over. Best of luck!