Predator got a chicken now two dead in coop

[troppoli]

we had ten girls that were 18 months old. We had managed to avoid losing any even with some free ranging. Two weeks ago a coyote (we think, maybe a juvenile or a fox- my neighbor saw it, we didn't) got one bird. The rest have been in the run since. Wednesday I found a hen dead in the run. No injuries I could see, but I also didn't inspect too closely. Thought maybe she had been injured in the attack and just succumbed. My neighbors are watching the girls for us while we are away today and he found another dead hen, also no apparent injury. I haven't noticed them looking sick. Is it possible that the coyote is coming around and trying to get into the pen and scaring them to death? My neighbor said he saw no sign of digging. We are so sad at the loss of our girls but not knowing why is awful!

 

[Tom Kathleen]

Is it hot where you are? It's really hot and humid here in the south and if they're used to being out and the coop doesn't have breeze, it could be heat stroke. People on here have posted about chickens getting heat stroke and it only affects one or two, or even affects the chicken days after the heat exposure. Don't know, but because they were used to being out and are now in, thought it might be worth investigating? I'm no expert, but the change in living quarters could be worth investigating?

 

[TwinsLoveChicks]

Is it hot where you are? It's really hot and humid here in the south and if they're used to being out and the coop doesn't have breeze, it could be heat stroke. People on here have posted about chickens getting heat stroke and it only affects one or two, or even affects the chicken days after the heat exposure. Don't know, but because they were used to being out and are now in, thought it might be worth investigating? I'm no expert, but the change in living quarters could be worth investigating?

Also maybe lice?
Sorry about your birds!

 

[troppoli]

Is it hot where you are? It's really hot and humid here in the south and if they're used to being out and the coop doesn't have breeze, it could be heat stroke. People on here have posted about chickens getting heat stroke and it only affects one or two, or even affects the chicken days after the heat exposure. Don't know, but because they were used to being out and are now in, thought it might be worth investigating? I'm no expert, but the change in living quarters could be worth investigating?

It's been not especially hot and they've been mostly in the run for a while. Freeranging was only when we were home and outside so I dont think that's it. Thanks for the reply.

 

[troppoli]

Also maybe lice?
Sorry about your birds!

How do you check for live and how would they get it? No other people that own chickens have been over