What could it have been???????

[anthonyjames]

So this morning as I am walking out to feed the herd. 125 naked necks. I see them all in the middle of the paddock going crazy. As I got closer and they saw me they came running. Let's just say that I am one less bird. All that was left was the wings attached to he back bone. No carcass at all. I am baffled as to what it could have been.

I have seen an owl in the past few weeks here and there but all the birds have seen it as well.

So what would kill the bird and only leave wings and the backbone. Where could the rest of the carcass have gone? Entire paddock is electric netting and the electric was showing full strength as it is running from my house out 200 feet to the eletric netting.

 

[momofchicks]

I would say it coud have been the owl. There is a predator page on BYC you should go check it out. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If the top is open, I'd guess owl. It does not matter if the chickens have seen it or not. They cannot see in the dark and are helpless at night.

These sites may help you. You can see it and notice things while we can't.

Oklahoma State – Clues to predators
http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Rendition-3573/unknown

Clues to Predators thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=18670

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

I don't think the owl would have eaten the bird in the pen and left the wings. It seems to me that your bird died of something and your flock ate it. It happens.

 

[anthonyjames]

So they would have eaten bones and all? Seems odd..

But I walked and checked all tractors and nothing shows any other animals or large areas of feathers. Actually there are not feathers except the wings still attached to the the back bone.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

I've had it happen, mine usually just leave the wings. I've always wondered where the leg bones go. But an owl would have carried off the whole bird as would most other predators, well at least those wanting to consume the bird.

 

[SED]

Could it have been rats?