I have heard many stories about hawks attacking their chickens. Others have said that they have had few problems with hawks attacking their larger chickens over the years. Last week I found one of my chickens, a buff orpington, dead missing all appendages, guts removed and feathers all over the place. This occurred in late afternoon 1 hr before dark. Two dogs were also in the yard that normally have little interest in the chickens. The next day I noticed hawks flying over the yard and today there were two sitting in a tree overlooking the chickens while they were free ranging in the back yard. The back yard is fenced in. The only part of the chicken that I found was one foot and the main body. When I found the dead chicken it was still warm and the dogs had not been around for very long and no evidence was found on them. Actually, my dog had been there all day. I think dogs would normally consider the birds as a toy and not eat the head, wings and legs. Could a hawk have done this and left the rest of the chicken with dogs in the area. That would require a very brave hawk that was very quick at butchering and the ability to fly away carrying multiple parts. The description fits what a coon would do but I can't see that being the case around dogs in daylight. Since then, the chickens have no fear of my dog. The other one was my neighbor's dog. If it was a hawk...how long before it will move on? Right now the chickens will have to make do in the run feeling like they are in prison. Still scratching my head on this one. Dog or Hawk?
