What is killing my chickens?

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

Several weeks ago I had a chicken and guinea hen go missing. They were obviously killed by somthing there was feathers everywhere. I originally thought it was a fox. Since there was no bodies and a large trail of feathers. But then the killing stopped. I thought it was safe to let my chickens out again to free range so I did. And everything was fine, for a while anyway. But about a week ago another chicken was killed. This time there was again alot of feathers. They were also in a trail just lile the last time. But this time there was a headless body about a hundred feet from where the feathers started. The weird thing is my gunia hens did not alert me of anything in my yard. It just happened. Another weird thing all these kills were during the day. It is also weird that this predator is yet to return. Do you think that it was the same thing that killed all of them? Do you think it will return?

 

[KingD]

Several weeks ago I had a chicken and guinea hen go missing. They were obviously killed by somthing there was feathers everywhere. I originally thought it was a fox. Since there was no bodies and a large trail of feathers. But then the killing stopped. I thought it was safe to let my chickens out again to free range so I did. And everything was fine, for a while anyway. But about a week ago another chicken was killed. This time there was again alot of feathers. They were also in a trail just lile the last time. But this time there was a headless body about a hundred feet from where the feathers started. The weird thing is my gunia hens did not alert me of anything in my yard. It just happened. Another weird thing all these kills were during the day. It is also weird that this predator is yet to return. Do you think that it was the same thing that killed all of them? Do you think it will return?

Sounds very much like a fox to me.
I've chased foxes away from my hens at least twice during the daylight hours.
I'm guessing you're from America which means I'm not too clued up on your type of wildlife but from what you've said I think fox.
I don't think it'd be a hawk due to the trail the predator left behind.

I know in England we have problems with polecats and weasels ect but I'm not sure whether you have anything like that? They will drag their prey.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

I agree on fox as the most likely culprit. (Possibly a bobcat). Im not surprised your guineas noticed nothing amiss. Fox are very stealthy and sly; they creep up on their target, quickly grab the prey and run away. And fox will adjust to taking poultry during the daytime when they discover daylight hours are when dinner is served. Very sorry for your losses. Unfortunately, unless you keep your poultry permanently penned or get a livestock guardian dog to protect the premises, the killing will likely continue until your entire flock is gone.

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

Sounds very much like a fox to me.
I've chased foxes away from my hens at least twice during the daylight hours.
I'm guessing you're from America which means I'm not too clued up on your type of wildlife but from what you've said I think fox.
I don't think it'd be a hawk due to the trail the predator left behind.

I know in England we have problems with polecats and weasels ect but I'm not sure whether you have anything like that? They will drag their prey.

I do have weasels and links around my area.

 

[Mutchi]

Fox eat only the brains and guts, according to my research.

 

[Mutchi]

I had the same thing happen. Put up a game cam. We found out a skunk killed them. They tear of body parts. Do you have skunks in your area?

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

I had the same thing happen. Put up a game cam. We found out a skunk killed them. They tear of body parts. Do you have skunks in your area?

Yes I do.

 

[Mutchi]

Yes I do.

You may be dealing with a skunk.

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

You may be dealing with a skunk.

Okay thank you for your input. I did put up some game cams today so we'll have to wait and see. I'll keep you guys updated!

 

[Mutchi]

Okay thank you for your input. I did put up some game cams today so we'll have to wait and see. I'll keep you guys updated!

Ok! If you have trouble making out what the animal is on the cams then feel free to post a screenshot of the animal here!