Was this a hawk attack? (Graphic photo)

[Little Chickadee]

My husband let our chickens out this morning so they could free range. 45 minutes later I walked our dog out and discovered this. Our yard is fully fenced so thinking its a hawk versus owl because it was day/morning.

Buff was one of our favorites. She was a buff plymouth rock and was slow to develop. Never clucked like a chicken. Warbled. Layed her first tiny egg yesterday.

We are horrified and broken hearted.

Let us know what you think.

 

[sourland]

Sorry for your loss. Very likely a hawk attack - scattered feathers, stripped neck, feeding started at head. It will return so be on high alert.

 

[HappyDuckie]

I also think it looks like a hawk. I'm so sorry you lost her.

 

[Little Chickadee]

Sorry for your loss. Very likely a hawk attack - scattered feathers, stripped neck, feeding started at head. It will return so be on high alert.

We spotted it in the tree about 15 minutes ago. Large Coopers hawk. Rest of our flock is back in their pen.

 

[Aapomp831]

We spotted it in the tree about 15 minutes ago. Large Coopers hawk. Rest of our flock is back in their pen.

Very sorry. This happened to us, I actually walked up on the hawk eating my chickens head. Very sorry for your loss.

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry for your loss. Keep your flock in their safe coop and run for two weeks, maybe longer, because your hawk will likely hang around, but not that long if another meal doesn't happen.
Mary

 

[Little Chickadee]

So sorry for your loss. Keep your flock in their safe coop and run for two weeks, maybe longer, because your hawk will likely hang around, but not that long if another meal doesn't happen.
Mary

Thank you. That is good advice.

 

[Little Chickadee]

Very sorry. This happened to us, I actually walked up on the hawk eating my chickens head. Very sorry for your loss.

Ugh. That would horrify me. I am so sorry you had to see that.

 

[Aapomp831]

Ugh. That would horrify me. I am so sorry you had to see that.

Thanks. My dog chased the hawk off - too bad he wasn’t out there.

 

[Folly's place]

We lost a nice bantam hen the same way last month. Hate it! Free ranging is always a risk...
Bantams and young birds are most vulnerable, but sometimes hawks will tackle big birds too. Your survivors are wiser now.
Mary