What has killed our girl?

[Melsbels]

Hi all!

Warning - graphic photo!

Our beautiful girl Rudie was found this morning still warmish, but very stiff (it is quite warm here in Perth, Western Australia) at around 8am this morning.

Her entire head and half her neck were removed. Her body was still there.

She was 1 of 12 chickens, they are all very frightened, but unscathed.

Lots of feathers, so they put up a fight.

I can see that the galvanised wire has been pushed a little, my guess is fox? Would it have taken the whole flock though?

Other predators could be: cats, possums, rats or an owl?

 

[McChooky]

Hi all!

Warning - graphic photo!

Our beautiful girl Rudie was found this morning still warmish, but very stiff (it is quite warm here in Perth, Western Australia) at around 8am this morning.

Her entire head and half her neck were removed. Her body was still there.

She was 1 of 12 chickens, they are all very frightened, but unscathed.

Lots of feathers, so they put up a fight.

I can see that the galvanised wire has been pushed a little, my guess is fox? Would it have taken the whole flock though?

Other predators could be: cats, possums, rats or an owl?

Without knowing your set up its difficult to say what killed your hen but here in the states Coons are known for yanking their heads off like this.If they were already outside in the run and it has an open top it could be a bird of prey. I'm very sorry for your loss.

 

[WhatsUpDuck]

That is what a weasel/mink did to a few of our first flock, but sadly was able to kill the rest Minks usually kill them all (someone correct me if they've experienced different?) Raccoons are known to eat heads and possums. Whatever it is will be back, because now it knows it has a food source, and it left some to eat! Shore up your coop/run!! I'm so sorry that is such an awful experience to find.