Only one left

[Churkenduse]

I am very lucky to have my three for so long without incident. But now two days in a row they got my girls I only have one left.
The first time he took my girl away from the property and killed her.. The second night he did it right outside the door of the coop, he left part of here there. He did not make a sound and she didn't either.

He must lip in just before I close the coop, I close it from the inside of my house. I rigged something so I don't have to go out in the cold and snow etc.

What kind of animal can do this without making a sound.. I live on a suburban area not a farm, and Iive on a Wildlife preserve.

Thank you all for your responses but I know exactly how and why she was taken my questions is If you know:

How does a predator kill a hen right there without making a sound, not even from the other hen..? She was killed right out side my winder no more than 25 feet from my room where I was sitting with my dogs.
My dogs did not even hear a thing.

He took the hen out of the coop dragged it outside and ate it without making a sound. How is that possible? that is alI wanted to know

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Lots of animals could be to blame -
what "part" was left?
is the run enclosed and, if so, do you see signs of whether it was entered from below (digging) or above (disturbed wire indicating climbing)?
do you see any tracks around the area?
do you see any fur hung up on the edges of the coop or run?

Be aware, it WILL come back - so this is the time to up your security to protect your remaining bird.

 

[iwiw60]

So so sorry for your predator problem. Like Ol grey mare said...is your coop "wide open" or do you have a run attached? Is the run predator-proofed; i.e., use of 1/2" hardware cloth rather than chicken wire, set into the ground and 'outwards from the run' at least 12" or so?

I feel so bad for you...I know what it must feel like. All the more reason I'm in the process of building my coop/run like Ft. Knox. I hope you catch the varmint!!

 

[Churkenduse]

Ole 'gray Mare, you are right I know it was my fault I waited to long to close the coop. I have had these girls for over 6 year and I never lost one this way.

I think I was distracted because I just rescued a tiny dog. I am starting to get forgetful and I am afraid this is going to happen again That is no excuse. I know he will be back that is what scares me.
As for the hen lots of feathers and a piece of the comb (I think) it was all bloody I could not tell.
The coop is very close to my house. I did not fins any signs of what kind of animal. My guess is it is a fox since they ;prowl during the night. It was still light out.

I am upset that the last hen will be alone.. I am trying to be more company for her I have two dogs not and they do not bother the hens they actually play with them

Thanks for your comments.

 

[Churkenduse]

It is not wide open I have a door I control from inside but I forgot to close it early enough.

 

[iwiw60]

Do you free-range your chickens or do you have a run attached????