What Happened? 2 Missing Tails

[drumstick diva]

I have to believe predator also. Though chickens can be very cannibalistic.

 

[tjcib]

I hate to be the pessimist, but I'm positive you have a predator. Do you actually SEE your chickens fighting? I'm so scared you're going to lose more.
I hate to be gross, how much was eaten away?
Ive only ever had one chicken killed by other chickens and they never ate it.

I have seen one of the two remaining chickens growing more "bold" over time. Specifically, she became VERY territorial over the waterers. She would peck and chase away anyone who came near. I added more waterers so they could drink and she simply couldn't chase them all away.

The other remaining chicken has feathers from the top of her head plucked out, like you would see from a bully or re-establishing a pecking order.

The tail section was eaten away until they got to the guts then stopped.

Worse news is that the update on the injured one...she didn't make it. Luckily she didn't die violently. Put her to bed one night and she didn't wake up.

I really don't think it is a predator, because it hasn't been an issue when we've let them free-range. They actually sleep OUTSIDE lately because of all the trauma in the coop (I think). But no issues with them completely outside all the time, and they still go back in and lay in their nesting boxes.

They used to free range all day and only go in at night. But they stopped laying well, so we kept them in their (probably too-small) run during the day. I think this led to boredom and overcrowding leading to the issues. Unfortunately our county won't let us have a bigger run. So...we have some decisions to make

 

[HuskerHens18]

I have seen one of the two remaining chickens growing more "bold" over time. Specifically, she became VERY territorial over the waterers. She would peck and chase away anyone who came near. I added more waterers so they could drink and she simply couldn't chase them all away.

The other remaining chicken has feathers from the top of her head plucked out, like you would see from a bully or re-establishing a pecking order.

The tail section was eaten away until they got to the guts then stopped.

Worse news is that the update on the injured one...she didn't make it. Luckily she didn't die violently. Put her to bed one night and she didn't wake up.

I really don't think it is a predator, because it hasn't been an issue when we've let them free-range. They actually sleep OUTSIDE lately because of all the trauma in the coop (I think). But no issues with them completely outside all the time, and they still go back in and lay in their nesting boxes.

They used to free range all day and only go in at night. But they stopped laying well, so we kept them in their (probably too-small) run during the day. I think this led to boredom and overcrowding leading to the issues. Unfortunately our county won't let us have a bigger run. So...we have some decisions to make

I hope you're right then, because a predator will come back no matter what to kill the rest. If you're convinced of cannibalism, which you know your chickens more than I would, then you need to get rid of the responsible ones. They'll never stop this, it's like when a dog gets blood. They'll always look for a reason to get more. Be it one speck or a sore, it'll set them off again.
I get overly attached to my birds, if you don't want to rehome, do not let your current birds near any new ones or this horrible scenario will repeat itself. I'm so sorry for your losses, I hope it never happens again

 

[tjcib]

I hope you're right then, because a predator will come back no matter what to kill the rest. If you're convinced of cannibalism, which you know your chickens more than I would, then you need to get rid of the responsible ones. They'll never stop this, it's like when a dog gets blood. They'll always look for a reason to get more. Be it one speck or a sore, it'll set them off again.
I get overly attached to my birds, if you don't want to rehome, do not let your current birds near any new ones or this horrible scenario will repeat itself. I'm so sorry for your losses, I hope it never happens again

Well the last two seem to be getting along for now. There are no more injuries, just feathers to grow back. So we're going to let it play out.

We are not attached enough to have named them...other than we call one "Runt" and she got the last laugh apparently...

Maybe I'll just release them in the State Park...LOL just kidding