What killed my hen?

[LindsayRae]

I have been allowing my hens to roam free their whole life. They coup up at night, and I shut the door if its windy or too cold. I have had zero problems in my 3 years having chickens, until this morning.

These pictures are a bit gruesome, but I would like to know from you more experienced chicken keepers what could have done this.

The only threat here that I have witnessed, was a hawk in the summer swooping at one of my cochins(luckily it was close enough I almost smacked it with a rake). I live in Asheville, NC- a bit newish, so I am not sure what I need to be looking out for to keep the rest safe.

 

[Creteloc]

I've read that owls, hawks, and raccoons are most likely to eat just the head and neck of a chicken and leave the rest.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Sorry for your loss.

I'm just guessing you have WAY more predators than you realize. And I would start closing up the coop because predators usually come back once they discover an meal. Just because you don't see them doesn't mean they don't see you. I KNOW for a fact we have raccoon, opossum, mountain lion, bear, anything in the weasel family, domestic dogs are high on the list (though not in this instance). Even rats will eat a chicken alive. Standard cats have never been an issue for full grown chickens here.

That looks like maybe a raccoon if she was in the coop.

 

[LindsayRae]

She was out. I plan to keep them closed up now. Thanks for responding.

 

[BantyChooks]

She was out. I plan to keep them closed up now. Thanks for responding.

Were there many feathers around? I have seen a mink do something similar.

 

[LindsayRae]

I've read that owls, hawks, and raccoons are most likely to eat just the head and neck of a chicken and leave the rest.

That is what I am thinking. I see a hawk lurking above everyday. My hens have been hiding in a bush when it is out, and she was found close by.

 

[LindsayRae]

Were there many feathers around? I have seen a mink do something similar.

Not spread out at all. Just one big pile of feathers.

 

[BantyChooks]

Not spread out at all. Just one big pile of feathers.

Big pile of feathers sounds like a hawk.

 

[silly4buttons]

Big pile of feathers sounds like a hawk.

I hate hawks a week and a half ago killed 2 of my chickens and that stuip thing is still lurking around

 

[LindsayRae]

I hate hawks a week and a half ago killed 2 of my chickens and that stuip thing is still lurking around

Yeah, big turd in the sky. I havent let my others out yet. There arent any leaves on the trees so they cant hide.