Three days ago my Wyandotte was killed in my backyard. They are not free range (they have a large covered run) and I'm hoping some of you can help me identify its predator. It was about 6:30am in full daylight, the thief scaled a 4ft wire, 14 gauge, 1.75 x 3.5 inch, fence in a gap in the hawk netting. The netting is 1.5x1.5" high-density Polyethylene but the gap along the fence was probably about 1'x3' depending on how the wind blew. It clearly took the bird out the same way as there were feathers stuck between the fencing and the post at the top and a small spot of feathers on the ground immediately below. It then trailed about 6 feet further with a larger bunch of feathers, probably the kill spot. And I found her about 6 more feet behind a woodpile totally devoured. We have many hawks that could have hopped down at a moment's notice but I would imagine it would have been difficult to maneuver out through the flapping netting with a struggling chicken in its beak or talons. I only know it was still alive when pulled out because my husband heard a strange bird type noise that went on for several minutes but didn't see any commotion among the other hens when he checked on them. What is most strange is that she was not dragged off and was picked totally clean, like a thanksgiving turkey carcass, except for the wing and legs and it was in broad daylight. I live in a rural/suburban area near the coast and regularly see hawks, owls, coyote, fox, weasel, mink, raccoon, and even fisher cats in my backyard. Many of which are climbing or swooping type predators, but I don't know what would eat the carcass so completely. I have never had trouble with predators, even though many are around. I have a picture but it is pretty graphic, so I will post if requested. Much appreciation for your feeback!
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So sorry for your loss. If you have a game camera, put it up because whatever it was will be back and then you will know for sure what your dealing with. Maybe and owl? I have several cameras on my property and see predators quite regularly on them. Awhile back I had an owl go through some crappy netting. I covered all of my pens with some good netting but ran short and bought some online but it wasn't what I thought it was and should have returned it but put it up thinking it would probably deter any aerial predators. Wrong, an owl went right through the crappy piece of netting three times and killed some birds. Each time the owl went through I put another piece of the crappy netting up because it was all I had at the time. I have since replaced it with some good netting and moved the birds to another coop and pen and the owl tried again but this time got caught in the netting. We managed to get it into a cage and a wildlife rescue came and got it. Hard to say what killed your bird. I have posted these pictures before. Good luck...
