Three chickens gone! Predator question

[nutmeg259]

We are new to the chicken scene. Two months ago, we inherited 5 full grown birds from a sick friend. They had always been free range and enjoyed the same benefits at their new home. We were on vacation last week and my father-in-law who lives nearby was caring for girls. He came over at dusk to lock up the coop and three were gone! The only evidence of foul play was some feathers on various parts of the property. I am crushed. Upon returning home, I noticed that one of the surviving bird is missing a large amount of feathers on her rear end but seems to be ok and is laying. We live in Maine, in the woods... What would take three birds in broad daylight and not even leave a drop of blood?? I've been reading up on predators and it sounds like most will leave something behind. At first I was hopeful that a few may have scattered but 5 days have passed and I've lost hope of any returning. When my husband returns from work next week I'm going to have him set up a game camera by the coop.

 

[iwiw60]

Sounds to me like a FOX. This is the time of year they are raising their young and will snatch chickens and take them back to their den. Sounds like free-ranging is out for now until you can get your predator prob fixed (as in 'eliminated'). Do you have a trail cam that you can set up to see if that's what it was? Do you see any tracks?

 

[nutmeg259]

Foxes will venture out during the day? We have a trail camera but it wasn't set up. Hubby had to unexpectedly go away for work... When he gets back it's going up! My father-in-law set up a humane trap (Because I have a toddler but whatever he catches will live to see tomorrow.) This morning the food was gone but the trap didn't spring!

 

[Bunnylady]

I have watched foxes trot across pastures at 10 in the morning, and 4 in the afternoon, so yeah, could have been a fox. Whatever it was, it was relatively tall, and quick on its feet - the other prime suspects would be a dog or maybe a coyote.

 

[iwiw60]

Foxes will venture out during the day? We have a trail camera but it wasn't set up. Hubby had to unexpectedly go away for work... When he gets back it's going up! My father-in-law set up a humane trap (Because I have a toddler but whatever he catches will live to see tomorrow.) This morning the food was gone but the trap didn't spring!

Sure they will! This time of year foxes are raising their young and it's hunting time ANYtime of day for them. As for your trap double-check that it 'springs' for you. You obviously have it in a good place of travel for it, but fix any probs asap. Wishing you all the best!

 

[nutmeg259]

Thanks everyone. My father-in-law felt so bad that the day after the attack, he sat in my garage with his gun and waited to see if the predator returned!

 

[roosterhavoc]

Your father in laws plan will work better than a live trap

 

[iwiw60]

Your father in laws plan will work better than a live trap

Yup.....like I always say:

S - S - S

Shoot - Shovel - Shut Up

 

[nutmeg259]

Oh trust me, the live trap is merely for convenience. Once captured we will def S-S-S!

 

[nutmeg259]

One more question, perhaps this should be posted to the health board but didn't want to cross post. This afternoon I let me remaining two gals out for a bit while I was in the yard. My Wyandotte, Lucy, escaped her attacker but lost a ton of feathers. While observing her foraging, I noticed that when she extends her wings there is a visible scratch/gash? on her side. What should I do? The attack was 5 days ago and she laid an egg today.