What is it?

[4islandgirls]

We have been having problems with an unknow predator. We lost a big peking duck and one of our best hens, they where bother gone after we came back from school. There was feathers everywhere in the yard but nothing else, any ideas?

 

[chrispbrown27]

Did you find a carcass? The reason I ask, I have seen dogs hold chickens down and pluck them but not kill them. So, I wonder if your birds are hiding somewhere. Also, if it was during the day I would lean toward a dog or a hawk, most other predators will hunt at night. Both will return...maybe you can be waiting with a shotgun.
Chris

 

[4islandgirls]

Nothing but feathers, and we have eagles, but a duck is to big.

 

[chfite]

I watched a video the other night wherein a golden eagle carried off a mountain goat.

Chris

 

[4islandgirls]

O my goodness! I did not realize that they carry such big animals off.

 

[outdooraholic]

As a Lesser Prairie Chicken research technician - usually when there are only feathers left (no carcass) - it was another bird that got it.