Something took two of my girls

[Skyoaks413]

Yesterday morning I went out to check on my five hens and there were only three. I let them free range, on about an acre of oak trees and never had a problem. Only two piles of feathers were left, no blood or any trace. Could a hawk take two birds? We do have hawks around sometimes but they've never bothered the girls. It was about 10am, and they were only alone for about 30 minutes...I'm so sad. Just wondering what it could have been and how I can prevent it from happening again.

 

[coobreeze9]

It sounds like you have a fox in the area. The fox that snatched 5 of mine did the same thing. They are know to grab and run without leaving a feather, and take them to a different often secluded area to dispatch. I apologize if I sound harsh, but I have a serious fox problem.

 

[coobreeze9]

As for prevention, you may need to find someone to trap them...as long as your local law permits trapping. My first hen was taken in a 15 minute time period when I went inside to get a cup of water. Finally I spotted the fox stalking my girls and waiting for me to go inside again. Many states/counties permit year long trapping if "certain types " of predators are harming your animals. But please check your local law on a remedy.

 

[Skyoaks413]

Thank you, we have seen foxes before...not recently but I would t be surprised. I'll check and see if we are allowed to trap them, good idea and good luck to you also! Little ********!

 

[coobreeze9]

And good luck to you Skyoaks!