Strange death of 13 month old chicken

[Petespen]

I do need help. a few days ago, we found one of are chickens dead. She was around 13 months old. Everything looked normal on her except from behind she looked like her insides we eaten out. I am a little concerned. The pen is enclosed in chicken wire and there are no signs of forced entry. I do have pictures but they are a little disturbing. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Gargoyle]

It sounds like a predator did get in. Perhaps a weasel or snake, they can get through 1" x 1" openings.

 

[Scott H]

Snakes eat their meals whole......

 

[Gargoyle]

What about rats? Will they attack this way?

 

[Petespen]

Only the one chicken was dead and there was no marks on her except around her end.
If it were a predator would it not have attacked the others?

 

[Eggsoteric]

Could your other chickens have pecked at her before you found her?

 

[Petespen]

Thank everyone who responded. I now have another hen that looks like her back end is being pecked. It does not look good, but she is not acting strange. I do not want to loose her. What do I do? Should I separate her?

 

[aggiemae]

Have you emptied your coop and checked for holes?

Is the affected on the 2nd hen oozing or stinky? could it be a skin vent problem?