What killed this hen

[Feathered_Texans]

A while ago we had a black Australorp hen get attacked in the night. We still haven’t figured out what the cause was. She was completely free ranged, and none of the other chickens were ever attacked. There was a trail of blood leading to her body, but the only injury was a leg wound. The blood was found from the roost and went around to the other side of the barn. I guess it could have been something killing for fun but i would think that she would of been I bit more torn up. It also appeared that she walked away and then died.
I have included a picture of her, if you have any ideas of what could have done this please let me know.

 

[nchls school]

View attachment 1677721 A while ago we had a black Australorp hen get attacked in the night. We still haven’t figured out what the cause was. She was completely free ranged, and none of the other chickens were ever attacked. There was a trail of blood leading to her body, but the only injury was a leg wound. The blood was found from the roost and went around to the other side of the barn. I guess it could have been something killing for fun but i would think that she would of been I bit more torn up. It also appeared that she walked away and then died.
I have included a picture of her, if you have any ideas of what could have done his please let me know.

My guess is a dog. A wild predator would have made off with the body and eaten it.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Only bite wound is to the leg? No other wounds anywhere else near the head or anything?

 

[Feathered_Texans]

Only bite wound is to the leg? No other wounds anywhere else near the head or anything?

None that we could see, unless it had some internal injuries.

 

[FarmBoy25]

My guess is a dog. A wild predator would have made off with the body and eaten it.

Yes, same thought here. Unfortunately, this is one of the risks of free-range chickens. If this becomes a major issue, I would confine them.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

None that we could see, unless it had some internal injuries.

Looks like a domestic dog then. Do you have a dog that you trust to put with the chickens?

 

[Feathered_Texans]

Looks like a domestic dog then. Do you have a dog that you trust to put with the chickens?

Our neighbor has a dog that shredded our cat, so now that I think about it that was probably the culprit.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Our neighbor has a dog that shredded our cat, so now that I think about it that was probably the culprit.

Get a trail cam and watch it to see if the dog comes back.

 

[MissChick@dee]

Dog.
Played with her death would be my guess. They shake them pretty hard. I’m so sorry for your loss. It looks as if her neck broke. As sad as it is perhaps it was a blessing It looks as if she didn’t suffer. So Sad...

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet hen! Bear hugs!

I would definitely pay a visit to your neighbor! That dog needs to be contained. If not, then free ranging may no longer be an option for you. Not worth the risk, IMHO.