Something was here...

[Tuppemor]

My hubby called me and wondered if I knew I was missig a hen. I hadn't been outside yet, so no. He said it must be a dog or something, because the body was still there.
I went outside to find feathers everywhere. No bodies or parts though, just feathers from at least two hens and one rooster, scattered all over the property. So whatever it was, it was back during daytime to get the food and kill some more - which means it's not a hawk (had a hawk kill two last year and they always leave the skeleton). Gold brahma hen, faverolles hen and faverolles rooster are most likely dead. I am still missing two fav hens, gold brahma rooster and a BR hen.
The feathers were ripped out and not chewed, so it's NOT a dog or a cat.

I am thinking fox or badger - I know we have both in the area. What do you think? It has to be fairly big and a fairly silent killer, has we haven't heard a thing.
Here's a list of predators that live in Norway:

Lynx (unlikely)
Wolverine (unlikely)
Wolf (even more unlikely)
Bear (no way)
Fox
Bagder
Hawks and eagles (would have to be a big one to carry off at least three large chickens)
Stoat/ermine (weasel)
Pine marten


I just hope the missing four are still alive and come back.. It's time to put the fence in order and let the LGD out at night.

 

[MareeZoCool]

I'd think a fox might be your invader/killer

 

[aprophet]

Quote:

 

[Cetawin]

Sounds very much like a weasel or Pine Marten (also in the weasel family). They are silent killers for sure and can gain entry via a very small opening.

A fox would carry the whole bird off so you would not have a pile of feathers scattered usually. A Badger would dessimate it right then and there and not bother spreading feathers everywhere.

Good luck catching the predator and I hope your other birds are hiding and will come home soon, safe and sound.