Something took two of my chickens. What could it be??

[PrettyChickens15]

Hi all,
Friday morning I counted my flock and didn't see one of my Bufforpingtons (hope I spelled that right) I assumed she was out foraging. Saturday I didn't see either of my buffs. I thought coincidence I'll find them later and yesterday I was out with the flock and I couldn't find my either of the buffs.
Last night I went to check again and they weren't roosted up in coop with my other hens. It was to dark to look for them and they aren't here this morning.

We live on 40 acres with a woods behind our chicken coop. I don't think hawks took them bc in the past they have left tons of chicken feathers. I have a black lab who protects my chickens. Barks all night at who knows what and won't let any predators near the coop if shes in the backyard. What could have taken them? I don't want anything else to happen to my flock!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Northern.Ontario]

Hi all,
Friday morning I counted my flock and didn't see one of my Bufforpingtons (hope I spelled that right) I assumed she was out foraging. Saturday I didn't see either of my buffs. I thought coincidence I'll find them later and yesterday I was out with the flock and I couldn't find my either of the buffs.
Last night I went to check again and they weren't roosted up in coop with my other hens. It was to dark to look for them and they aren't here this morning.

We live on 40 acres with a woods behind our chicken coop. I don't think hawks took them bc in the past they have left tons of chicken feathers. I have a black lab who protects my chickens. Barks all night at who knows what and won't let any predators near the coop if shes in the backyard. What could have taken them? I don't want anything else to happen to my flock!

Thanks in advance.

Fox or coyote are 2 of the top problem makers. They will be back if you don't keep your chickens secure

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

Watch for predators (specifcally raccoons, coyotes, or foxes) and if you hear anything or see anything try to shoot it or scare it so badly that it will never come back. Once it has had a taste of chicken it is going to be back

 

[PrettyChickens15]

Would coyotes and foxes attack during the day?
I would put the hens in the run, but a tree fell on it and it's damaged and unsafe. How else could I secure the hens?

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

Probably not coyotes but foxes are a different story. They are very sneaky so you never know with them. If you have a secondary coop I would put them in there.

 

[PrettyChickens15]

Okay thank you. Unfortunately I don't have a second coop. Could I set a trap of some sort?

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

You could as long as you don't have any other animals that could get inside the trap. If you really need to secure them you could put them inside in a bucket with a lid or something like that

 

[Northern.Ontario]

I had a fox attack my chickens during the day. It was 5pm and very bright out.

 

[Northern.Ontario]

Electric fencing is your best option

 

[WVduckchick]

Could they be hiding somewhere on a nest of eggs??

Look around for predator foot prints, poop, any sign of digging, etc.
Try this predator checker too.
http://www.poultrydvm.com/predator-identifier.php