Unknown Predator Killing our Hens!

[ChickInn829]

We have had 4 of our hens stolen and killed by a predator within the past 2 weeks. We are relatively new to owning chickens and wanted to see what experienced owners had to say! The hens disappear without much of a trace with the exception of a clump of feathers. I am usually home and haven't heard an attack happen (but it's possible I have just missed it).
Our hens free range on our two acre property but now we're getting scared to let them out... our once 20 hens has quickly dwindled to 16 We live in the redwoods of California, but still have homes surrounding us. I believe that we have mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, skunks, and raccoons out here. Would love ideas as to what the predator might be and suggestions you have for preventing further kills.

TIA! Parris

 

[Sunshine Flock]

I'm sorry that happened. It's upsetting when one of our feathered friends disappears.

I'd ask some of your neighbors if they've noticed any wildlife activity on or around their properties. It could easily be any of the predators you mentioned. The animal had the ability to completely remove your chickens with no trace aside from the feathers, so hawks are probably ruled out since most of the ones I'm aware of here in California are too small to carry off a chicken.

The problem is that predators tend to be repeat offenders. You'll continue to lose chickens while they free range. Sadly this means either restricting their free range time to just a few supervised hours or fully enclosing a run.

My rooster was grabbed by a coyote (he's now on the mend), and my darling cat was killed. And the raccoons are lurking at the back of our property. I can see their glowing eyes at night. I do still free range but I herd the chickens back to within a small distance from their run, and I'm usually home which makes vigilance easier.

Do they have a secure run where you can keep them?

 

[DaviJones]

I wouldn't call myself an expert but I would love to try to help or offer a guess. It sounds a lot like a hawk of some sorts. They usually carry off the kill which would explain the lack of remains. I live in the West as well and in a rather populated neighborhood(although it is about a mile away from the line for rural property, and I have seen plenty of raptors(mainly Cooper's hawk, a few owls and two vultures/ condors I saw eating a dead rabbit on the side of the road, though they aren't really a threat to chickens). I've actually had a stray cat we feed(Mac) kill some sort of raptor as he spread its feathers throughout the yard, huge 9 inch feathers, no idea how he managed it, but moral of the story sometimes you don't always see hawks in your area but they can be there.

I've heard that fishing line strung above the chicken area helps or better yet fully enclosing it with chicken wire if you can.

Sorry for your loss! Hope you will be able to stop whatever's hunting the flock.

 

[Fishkeeper]

Hawks usually fly to a nearby area to eat, leaving a ring of feathers around where they fed. A lot of them will eat in place if there's no immediate threat.

As said above, it could really be any of the predators you've mentioned, and about the only way to prevent further losses is going to be predator-proofing their habitat. They'll probably be a lot happier in a spacious, predator-free pen, especially if you provide plenty of enrichment, as opposed to total free-range where things periodically eat them. Most of those predators will be relatively easy to keep out, especially if you prevent burrowing by burying some of the wire at the bottom of the pen, but raccoons are incredibly smart, dexterous, and bold. They'll probably be the biggest problem to keep out, they can even open some doors and latches. Skunks, coyotes, and foxes can burrow into pens, and skunks are adept at finding holes and gaps to crawl through, plus a dog isn't any good against skunks. Bobcats and mountain lions will probably leave for easier prey if they can't find an easy way in.

 

[DaviJones]

I agree it really could be anything, my mind just screamed hawk

 

[CntryBoy777]

Several predators are snatch and run ones....this would include coyote and fox. Unless ya have small chickens, I'd rule out raptors, they rarely will even attempt to fly with such a large bundle of prey, even the largest....a Redtail....has difficulty making it off the ground with anything as heavy as a mature large hen. Fox and coyote will grab and run at anytime of the day, cats will usually kill and eat until disturbed, so I believe that it is coyote of fox. I would vary the routine and be extremely watchful if and when ya let them out to stretch their legs....otherwise they will continue to disappear and count them at various times throughout the day in an attempt to pinpoint a pattern. If ya hear an alert by your roo check it out and go prepared with something that can deliver some hot lead.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

If the chicken is a standard size adult bird (4 or 5 pounds and up) there is no hawk in North America that will be able to leave with its kill. I repeat NONE. After a pair of hawks take turns feeding they may reduced the carcass enough to get airborne with it.

Coyotes, bobcats, red and gray foxes, eagles, mountain lions, etc all like to eat take-out style or in private. Look for your chicken assassin among these vermin. Besides, where a hawk makes a kill, it looks like a hand grenade exploded inside a pillow because the hawk denudes the meatier parts of the chicken before feeding begins..

 

[sourland]

Coyote, bobcat, fox are all prime contenders as suggested by @CntryBoy777 and @chickengeorgeto . Bottom line is it will continue to deplete your flock unless it is eliminated.