R.I.P Agnes. What killed her?

[talkinboutchickens]

Predators will often return to the place where they find an easy meal. If you'd like more input on how to keep your flock safe, you can find advice on this forum: Predators and Pests

Thanks for the link! Yes I was thinking that the predator will come back. I made a scarecrow but my dog was trying to attack it...

 

[McChooky]

Agnes just died yesterday. This was a complete surprise. This morning when the chickens were let out, I later realized that Agnes was not there. And she is NOT the type to go wandering around the yard by herself. She usually stays with at least one chicken. We were very puzzled and looked around the entire yard. That's when we found a giant pile of white feathers A predator had gotten to her. I live in a rural area and this is surprisingly the very first time that a predator has killed one of my chickens. My friend lives in the city and they have had predators kill their chickens time and time again.
Agnes was the absolute best girl and was one of most friendliest chickens out of our 13 (now 12) chickens.
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So, I was curious about what this predator could be that got her. There were feathers 5 feet from where the main pile was so do you think it was a ground predator that attacked her and dragged her away, or do you think it was an aerial predator? And how could I limit these predators and keep them away from my chickens? Despite me having two roos, they did nothing to save Agnes's life. Although, she could have been isolated from the flock, or the entire flock saw the predator and then ran for cover including the roosters. Once when a hawk was attacking one of my hens, Winnie, the roos were right there and did nothing (maybe they didn't see her?) So we took immediate action and chased the hawk away.
So anyway, here are ALL of the predators that I have either seen or heard in my yard:
Aerial:
Owls, hawks, turkey vultures (they wouldn't attack chickens I don't think), definitely other birds of prey.

Ground predators:
Coyotes, foxes, skunks, neighbor's cats, racoons, opposums, and probably weasels and mink but they would just kill her and suck the blood and leave her body.

I know that she was attacked during the day, not at night because she always went to bed or was in the nesting box at least. So It couldn't have been any of those nocturnal animals. Oh, and none of my other chickens are harmed. That right there shows me that the roosters didn't protect Agnes. No blood on combs, wattles, nothing like that.

Thanks so much! Feel free to ask any questions.

You may be able to use electronic devices that frighten predators off or maybe set a trap but whatever you use it must be ready soon because this predator will be back for the rest. Roosters are not guardian animals they're prey animals without fangs or talons and need protection much as hens. I'm sorry for your loss she was a beautiful hen!

 

[talkinboutchickens]

I'm very sorry for your loss. Agnes was lovely and had such a soft look in her eye.

Thanks so much

The thing about Aggie was how she was never mean to anyone or any chicken and she was so loving and accepting and she would always run up to me as fast as she could when I came outside

 

[McChooky]

Thanks for the link! Yes I was thinking that the predator will come back. I made a scarecrow but my dog was trying to attack it...

I made one that didn't scare anything except maybe the crows. They are very intelligent and suspicious by nature so they avoided my yard. I actually like having crows hanging around so I don't use scarecrows

 

[alinas2010]

I am so sorry for your loss. Agnes was a beautiful hen. I hope there you can find comfort in pictures and memories of her.

 

[FrostRanger]

Sorry for your loss. Roosters only provide limited protection unfortunately, a rare bird will attack and take down a hawk but those are the exceptions rather than the rule. In any case they're still just chickens so in many cases a predator will just kill them first then go for the hens if a roo does attack. You are a far better source of protection than any roo. You can build a secure enclosure and take other measures that no roo could. One strictly speaking only needs a roo if they want fertilized eggs. Not to say that they aren't nice to have around anyways, a good roo is a joy to have around and sounding the alarm is indeed useful (though the head hen will also do this in an all hen flock)

 

[talkinboutchickens]

I am so sorry for your loss. Agnes was a beautiful hen. I hope there you can find comfort in pictures and memories of her.

Thank you so much

 

[talkinboutchickens]

Sorry for your loss. Roosters only provide limited protection unfortunately, a rare bird will attack and take down a hawk but those are the exceptions rather than the rule. In any case they're still just chickens so in many cases a predator will just kill them first then go for the hens if a roo does attack. You are a far better source of protection than any roo. You can build a secure enclosure and take other measures that no roo could. One strictly speaking only needs a roo if they want fertilized eggs. Not to say that they aren't nice to have around anyways, a good roo is a joy to have around and sounding the alarm is indeed useful (though the head hen will also do this in an all hen flock)

Unfortunately I was not home when Aggie got attacked so I never heard the rooster's warnings or her cries for help Despite me keeping chickens for 4 years I never knew that most roos won't confront a predator. I learn something new every day Their coop and run are very very predator proof, I've never had predators get into to coop or run, I've only had a predator attack outside, which was when Agnes got attacked

 

[talkinboutchickens]

My dogs were a couple years old when I got chickens so I had to spend a little more time training them than I would a pup .They caught on quick! Both my dogs sound alerts if anything comes around or messes with the chickens (my coop has a baby monitor so my dogs can hear anything going on inside from in the house)

What breeds are they?

 

[McChooky]

Unfortunately I was not home when Aggie got attacked so I never heard the rooster's warnings or her cries for help Despite me keeping chickens for 4 years I never knew that most roos won't confront a predator. I learn something new every day Their coop and run are very very predator proof, I've never had predators get into to coop or run, I've only had a predator attack outside, which was when Agnes got attacked

I spent a month training my chickens to go in when I want to go somewhere.Now I can have them locked up in less than 5 minutes and be on my way .I used a dog clicker to train them but now I clamp my hands .I still carry an orange driveway to get their attention and call out the command 'Lets go '.The stick's useful for blocking the path of any chickens that try to run pass me. I manually let my chickens in and out when I free range them.They know the routine.