Interesting observations. My predator COULD have gotten in for the attack...there is a small gap in the fence where the gate meets the upper bar (this is a small, 3' dog kennel). My husband, who hunts, says fox. My father, who's been raising chickens since the '50's says raccoon. It was hard to tell from the tracks, since they were everywhichway exactly what it was. I would say they were about the size of a quarter, rounded, w/ no claws. That's from the couple of clear ones I did see. Nothing in my traps this morning and so far the remaining birds are still alive....we'll see how they fair. I'll check the inside of the enclosure tonight for tracks. i didn't notice any yesterday, but i think i was just so shocked that i didn't investigate enough.
There is a woods close by & the area is marshy, so really this could be anything. I lost a batch of chickens when we first moved out there; something came in & killed them all w/o eating them. At the time, I blamed my neighbors small dogs, thinking they did it for sport. Maybe I have mink ...
I know there are foxes (one took a Jersey Buff last summer), raccoons (have already trapped them), stray cats, etc...hopefully something will land in my trap soon & I can seek my revenge!
