What do you think?

[StevieNacole]

I had two hens and one rooster. Now I only have one hen, the rooster was laying in the chicken pen dying, I cant tell how. The other hen was gone. I walked around the pen...nothing, no evidence of something digging or the fence wasnt messed up. I found a few feathers...but thats it. The other hen was just walking around, I could tell she was freaked out. the pen is fully coverd, so I dont think anything flew in there. I am new to raising chickens and this isnt the first time ive lost chickens but I thought I got rid of the problems. Its like one after another! I want to raise chickens badly, I enjoy them soo much but its like everytime I start getting attached, something happens! Anyways, anyone think it could be a snake? I have four cats, two are kittens. but I dont think they would do anything, they are lazy and well fed. But im thinking either cat or snake....Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[Tylt33]

Cat would be really unlikely, you'd see more evidence.

 

[smarsh]

these were full grown? sounds more like theft to me.

 

[yinepu]

What kind of wire do you have on the pen? Chicken wire? Hardware cloth?

 

[StevieNacole]

I have some old fence that was given to me but it's sturdy and the holes are small, it also has chicken wire over the top and some on the bottom. The chickens were bantams full grown. I was thinking the same thing about the cats, I didnt ever find a body, just a few feathers. The roosters head looked a little funny but it wasnt bleeding or anything. I got rid of my dog because he got ahold of some of my chickens, makes me mad I got rid of him and something else comes along.

 

[wvfoxhunter]

I think that you probably have a human predator and theif and not an animal on four legs.

 

[woodmort]

Quote:
I doubt it a human would take them all or not leave a wounded bird and would not have locked up behind himself. It could be anything but I suspect if you look you'll find were it got in through or under your wire--coon, dog, fox whatever could be a suspect.

 

[StevieNacole]

I guess i'll never know exactly what happened. I was hoping the one that went missing would pop up, atleast a body. I recently got a new and improved chicken coop and pen, So I moved the only one still alive and got her some company in the new pen. I really dont think it was a dog or anything, because there wasnt any holes or anyway it could have gotten in. The only way I think anything had gotten inside was through the top, Because, i'll admit wasnt perfect. But that too would have been tricky.
Whatever happened, Im going to do my best to make sure it doesnt happen again.

also, the next day after it happened, I killed a huge snake hanging around that area. Later I was told that it was a copperhead!

I'm not saying thats what did it. But i'm glad it's gone!

 

[noitulover]

I kind of doubt it would be a snake... Snakes usually go for chicks or eggs. My bet is on a raccoon, skunk, possum, or fox. Do you have weasels in your area? Could a bird of prey have swooped down and gotten a chicken?