What predator would do this?

[JosieMaeChickens]

We have about 50 5 week old chicks. This evidence they were out free ranging while I did the other chicken chores in the big coop. I was back and forth between the 3 coops and the water pump multiple times. Then I went to feed the dogs so I was away from the chickens for maybe 15 minutes. I moved a broody hen and her eggs to her own coop, closed the chicks up in there coop (again it is 50 chicks so I didn’t actually do a head count) and came inside. Of course I waited and looked around for slow pokes that hadn’t made it back to the coop yet. I go back out about 20 minutes later for something and she this about 5 ft from the water pump. So I would have seen it when I was doing chores earlier in the evening. This must have happened right at dusk when I went to feed the dogs or after I came inside and this chick maybe was left out. My point it it must have been quick. We have had chickens for about 2 years, no loses to predators so far. We have an occasional hawk fly over but never has it gotten a chicken. I’m pretty sure this isn’t a hawk but I’m honestly clueless.

The chick’s head is gone and it’s like it was gutted.

 

[Jenbirdee]

Im so sorry, thats really sad. A dog could do that, like playing with a chew toy. I dont know what else exactly but I know others will be here to help figure it out. Maybe a rat?

 

[TOR]

Looks like raccoon to me, but not knowing location or predators you have. Possible possum also.
Raccoons will eat a whole bird feathers and all.

 

[Lor]

Raccoon or possum was my first thought.

 

[Red Mangrove]

Racoons decapitate things

 

[EireRoo]

Mink take the heads as do well fed cats

 

[lagrange chicks]

I say hawk, 4 legged predators except mink and weasel will try taking there kill with them. Chickens being heavier than a hawk most times will kill and eat there fill and move on.

 

[Pollo Blanco]

Mink take the heads as do well fed cats

As do Great Horned Owl
Edit: Owls take the neck and head

 

[BantammChick]

Sorry for your loss.
When the head is missing it's likely to be a raccoon.

 

[EireRoo]

Sorry for your loss.
When the head is missing it's likely to be a raccoon.

We have predators remove the heads in Ireland only we don't have raccoons