predator identification

[gizmojy]

I live in upstate SC and had a young chicken in a pen with another older bird

this morning I went out to the pen and the small one was missing there was a small hole where something dug
under the pen wire. no feathers in the pen and few outside maybe 20 yards away I found the pile of feathers. I thought it may
be some kind of weasel but stuff Ive read usually says they kill more than one and bodies are found.

there was no sign other than the feathers and small hole under wire and no other birds we're harmed. just
wondering the thoughts others had on this.

 

[GitaBooks]

I'm sorry to hear that.


Animals likely to dig include Foxes, skunks, and raccoons. Skunks especially can fit through surprisingly tiny openings.

 

[gizmojy]

thanks for the reply

maybe it was that but I really don't see a skunk, coon, or fox fitting through this hole

 

[GitaBooks]

How old was the chick? Could a rat have gotten it?

 

[dekel18042]

I live in upstate SC and had a young chicken in a pen with another older bird

this morning I went out to the pen and the small one was missing there was a small hole where something dug
under the pen wire. no feathers in the pen and few outside maybe 20 yards away I found the pile of feathers. I thought it may
be some kind of weasel but stuff Ive read usually says they kill more than one and bodies are found.

there was no sign other than the feathers and small hole under wire and no other birds we're harmed. just
wondering the thoughts others had on this.

If there was no sign of the bird being pulled out, for example loose and lost feathers, wondering if something dug, gave up, the bird escaped on its own and then something got it?
Our bantams are in their new supposedly secure coop and run now. Yesterday I noticed little heads sticking out the bottom...HUH? So my husband got bricks, dug down and lined it and no more little heads coming out. Not sure if eventually they could have gotten all of themselves out, but didn't want to take that chance.