Two chickens gone without a trace

[NewYorkMama]

Hi chicken folks!

In the last few weeks I’ve had two hens just go missing without a trace. Not a single feather. Just poof! Gone!

Over the last 8 years I’ve had hens taken/attacked by bald eagles, hawks, foxes, and weasels. Each time there is ample evidence of attack — typically in the form of shed feathers.

These last two just absolutely nothing!

We’ve seen a bobcat in our field and evidence of bobcat scat near the chicken’s yard. But I’d be so surprised if a bobcat could take a chicken completely unawares without even leaving a single feather!?

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

Lock your survivors in their safe coop and run while you sort this out.
Trail cameras are great! One or two set up out there may answer your mystery in a week or two.
Could be a large raptor, or a ground predator like a bobcat or other critter taking your bird off to feed their family.
Mary

 

[SamLockwood]

I've had coyotes and bobcats take birds with little to no trace. They tend to hit fast and are strong enough to run away with them quickly even if they are shedding feathers. You'll maybe see some feathers at the kill site and then a few feathers here and there in the direction the preadator left.

Domestic dogs are a possibility, but if you've seen a bobcat prowling around that's probably your culprit.

Unlikely it's a flying predator, unless you've got an adult bald eagle in the neighborhood. Most hawks weigh significantly less than most adult standard size chickens. I've seen them have trouble just dragging a 12-week old pullet along the ground, let alone fly off with an entire adult hen.