What Predator? Only down feathers left.

[keckels]

I've just got back from my first hen loss. Lost 3 of my 5 layers. Only thing left in about a 5 ft diameter was breast or down feathers. Nothing, & I mean nothing else. Lost 3; 3 different areas as I describe. I read the article on different predators, but didn't read out this.

 

[CMV]

You are looking for something that likely carried them away. Foxes, coyotes or bobcats quickly come to mind. The feathers mean that one bird put up a bit of a fight.

Sorry for your losses.

 

[keckels]

That makes me even sadder. I have seen some BIG hawks flying around. Could that be possible?

 

[cgmccary]

keckels: I have seen some BIG hawks flying around. Could that be possible?

Anything is possible but not likely. With a hawk, unless your hens are bantams, then likely you would find the body. With a big hen 6-7 lbs, a hawk will eat the breast right there on the ground & it is not likely to be three in a day. It is more likely what CMV says: FOX, COYOTE or BOBCAT -- all three would tote them off and I'd bet more on FOX or COYOTE (because more likely to tote off more than one). Look for footprints if possible.​

 

[keckels]

Ok, thanks. Likely in our area coyote then. I've got a friend that makes live catch traps, so I'll set a few. I thought of the footprints "after" I had my pointing lab look for them. That may sound bad, but he actually holds point & I can go in and pick the hen up; and he's a housedog & only outside when I am, so he's not the culprit.