Predator? Confused.

[CrockChickens9]

My chickens only free range when I’m outside. I’ve seen every predator possible in our yard including very high hawk activity, foxes and a weasel kill a bunny in front of me. Today I was cleaning the run and the girls were out about 50 feet away. I heard one cry out and a rustling of feathers. I ran out to find a trail of feathers and 2 of my girls running to hide under the coop. As I was looking under the coop a third girl came running noisy and scared under the coop as well. I looked around quickly saw nothing and got them back in the run. Then I investigated. One chicken missing a good chunk of back feathers at the base of the neck, no wound or blood. No one else injured. They are all making a ton of noise and seem on high alert. What could this be? The only thing I can imagine would get away so quickly and quietly would be a weasel but wouldn't it have done more damage? Would a hawk have gotten away that quickly without me seeing it? What would go for the back like that? Obviously, no way to tell for sure but just seeing if anyone has had a similar experience? Thanks in advance!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Sounds like a hawk. I thwarted one once and it was headed straight for the back of the neck-got away with a tuft of feathers and all the chickens were confused.

 

[McChooky]

Hawks will land on their back.She was lucky.

 

[WingItRanch]

I agree. I just had an attack identical to yours just like this and confirmed it was a hawk when it returned the next day. Thankfully, my girl got away too by diving under the barn but she left behind a pile of feathers.

 

[CrockChickens9]

Ok. Yeah, it makes sense. I was just so close I’m surprised I missed it. I’m very thankful that she got away. I’m so careful. I scan the trees and sky, listen and keep them close. I even have my kids keep look out but obviously you can only do so much when the are out and exposed. Man, everything wants to eat these darn birds! Thank you all for your insight and experiences. I appreciate it!

 

[WingItRanch]

Ok. Yeah, it makes sense. I was just so close I’m surprised I missed it. I’m very thankful that she got away. I’m so careful. I scan the trees and sky, listen and keep them close. I even have my kids keep look out but obviously you can only do so much when the are out and exposed. Man, everything wants to eat these darn birds! Thank you all for your insight and experiences. I appreciate it!

Chicken is delicious and all the animals know it, unfortunately...

 

[McChooky]

Chicken is delicious and all the animals know it, unfortunately...

The 1st time I tried eating some fried chicken dipped in hot sauce I was hooked. No other meat can compete with chicken in the US!
Pork comes in 2nd here but is #1 worldwide

 

[2 Acres]

Ok. Yeah, it makes sense. I was just so close I’m surprised I missed it. I’m very thankful that she got away. I’m so careful. I scan the trees and sky, listen and keep them close. I even have my kids keep look out but obviously you can only do so much when the are out and exposed. Man, everything wants to eat these darn birds! Thank you all for your insight and experiences. I appreciate it!

Keep in mind that any "bird of prey" is Federally protected with a 5 year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine... max.

 

[Bawkbok]

Even though your chicken didn't have obvious wounds, you may want to treat her for shock if she is acting off, not eating or drinking normally.

Aerial predators will always attack from above: hawk, falcon, owls. I can tell you hawks and owls will swoon in silently. You may not always hear their approach and if they are on glide mode, you won't hear their wings beating. Yes, owls are out during the day here also. Everything is hungry.

One day out of the corner of my eye I luckily saw a hawk making a silent nose dive into the yard. I jumped out of the shadows in a bee-line for the chickens flailing my arms which surprised the hawk who made a fast 90 degree turn and flew away. It was only about 15 feet above the chickens. Unless you have a rooster, a dog, or you are the rooster, chickens cannot always run for cover fast enough and do sometimes get surprised despite being naturally sky aware.

After reading about the various predation injuries on this site, I'm paranoid and now won't leave them in the yard alone at all.

 

[McChooky]

My chickens have free ranged for years now and have learned to hide. I worry more about canines than anything in the sky. A bird of prey will only kill one at a time.