What in the world could have done this? WARNING GRAPHIC

[kari_dawn]

May I just ask what is making everyone say bobcat? yes, I know I like them, but they have pretty specific kill habits...they take their kill WITH them after they have eatten what they can. A meal for a bobcat is like two pounds, and they generally won't just remove the head and eat the entrails. Their faces are too short and broad to get inside the body cavity for the entrails, and if they are going to do that, they would go from the larger end. They also eat mainly muscle tissue, wheras the smaller wedge shaped head of a skunk, coon, or mink gives them the advantage for consuming entrails.

 

[Rockyridge]

I had a similar experience just this past week. Except the head was not severed. Whatever definitely went for the juggular and opened the crawl. Beside a lot of feathers the chick was still there. Not much was devoured. Wondered if it got scared off or why it would just leave it. About two months ago we lost another precious hen, but there was no sign of it. I understand your loss. It is so heartbreaking. Our small flock was free ranging in the afternoon after our first attack. Both incidents happened early afternoon perhaps around 2:00- 3:00 P.M.

We thought it was a fox because they have been seen in our neighborhood. Our neighborhood shot one, soooooo we thought we were safe to let them free range in our fenced yard. They want so much to get out in the afternoons. Ready to set that trap to see if we can come up with anything. Our girls left are fenced in their 6' enclosure for now, but what I read that is still not predator proof. We also have bobcats?, racoons, and coyote near us. I have never seen a racoon in the daytime, but have seen a coyote that mistakenly gotten into our yard. That thing went out of here quickly after our dog was on it's trail. Unfortunately, our canines would prefer sleeping indoor than staying outside looking for predators.

 

[chkn]

I'm guessing a hawk if it was a day time hit. They seem to like to eat all the flesh off the neck. I had one do that right after Christmas.

 

[kari_dawn]

I'm guessing a hawk if it was a day time hit. They seem to like to eat all the flesh off the neck. I had one do that right after Christmas.

That's a good point. I lost my speckled sussex to a hawk...he got her by the head, and stripped everything off the carcas down to the breast meat before I chased him off.

 

[Rockyridge]

I am convinced it is a fox as they have been seen during the day in our neighborhood. My neighbor has seen it/them?? Now have a trap out, but understand they are very cunning. Also, order a caller to see what we come up with.