Possible Cannibalism-Input please

[GranolaGirl]

I have two hens (Prissy & Greta) who were broody and insisted on staying in the same nest box for about a week. If I removed Greta or moved Prissy, Greta would follow her and climb back in the nest box with her. I just went outside to collect eggs and noticed Prissy dead in the back of the run missing a head and 1/2 her body. There were feathers from both birds in the coop and Greta's feathers were all over the corner of the run. Greta is fine, but missing some neck feathers. What could have caused this?!
Is is possible that they got into a fight and then the other birds (I have 13 all together) ate the meat of Prissy? It is quite disturbing. Advice/input would be very welcomed.

 

[Erica]

Hi GranolaGirl,
chickens do cannibalise at times, but never have I heard of them taking the head. The culprit is a predator of some sort, perhaps a fox or cat. I would be checking for gaps (especially evidence of freshly dug holes). Remember that some predators can climb, others are on wings (in case you have no roof).
Sorry about the loss,
Erica

 

[GranolaGirl]

Thanks Erica-
We do have a fence and a roof. There is a small ( several inches) gap in the fence at the gate, but that is all. I see no evidence of anything getting in, and these two were always in the nest boxes (I was worried they wouldn't get enough food and water). I agree about the strangeness of the missing head though. Very creepy

 

[CMV]

A missing head is classic raccoon and/or owl MO. I would be looking at one of those as your culprit.

Sorry for your loss.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Do you live in an area that gets weasels? Taking the head is classic weasel. And they can climb, and they can get into a space that's just 1" square. They like to slit the veins in the neck and drink the blood.

Could also be a raccoon, but I think a raccoon would have taken more of the bird.

I would be beyond shocked if your other hen did this. I'm sure it's a predator.