What predator?

[barn206]

My dog found one of my hens in the woods. I thought it was my dog that did it but the hen was semi stiff. It looks like a recent kill. I’m thinking owl? I’m hoping it wasn’t my cat. My red’s neck looks completely torn open. Last night, like every night, I check under and around the coop to make sure that none are left outside. This is puzzling. I had the birds out early this morning.. food n water. Then I cleaned out the coop. It took me about an hour but I was outside the whole time. The wound looks fresh. I wish I knew what happened to her. The rest of her body was untouched

 

[Birdsong 82]

There are some predators I’ve heard that killed just for fun. Do you think maybe a hawk or an owl. Hawks in u.s. can’t actually Lift a chicken and fly off with it. Actually the only bird that could is possibly an eagle. But they will kill your chickens. Do you think that’s a possibility? You say it happened in the middle of the day?

 

[barn206]

Not sure.. I have owls here. I think she was killed in the woods near the coop. I doubt it was an eagle. Possibly a hawk but I’m leaning towards owl. I’m just hoping it wasn’t my cat. Although she leaves the chickens alone. Strange

 

[Kessel23]

It looks like something a cat would do, they have a very strong natural prey drive and will kill almost anything they can catch. A cat that lives in the house and is fed well usually won't eat what it kills and whatever killed this bird was definitely not interested in eating it. Also, the cuts are around the neck, cats will go for the neck instinctively when hunting. It is definitely not a dog kill, although they are in the same boat as the cats, they have a strong instinct to catch and kill anything that runs from them, and a well fed dog usually won't eat what it catches. I know it is not a dog though because a dog would have chewed it up and thrown it around like a toy after catching it, also if a dog grabbed that bird by the head it would not have any head left after the dog was done with it. Just because it was a cat doesn't mean it was your cat, lots of cats actually do really well around adult poultry. It could have been someone else's cat that they let free range.

It is not a hawk or an owl, even though some can't lift a large chicken that does not stop them from plucking and eating one. Also, judging by the size of this pullets comb I would say she is pretty young and a large hawk or owl could definitely lift her. A red tailed hawk can lift up to 10 pounds off the ground and can carry away most chickens, and if a hawk can't lift a prey item it will dismember it and carry it off piece by piece. Raptors do not kill for fun, nothing does. Owls, especially, will stick to a large kill and come feed off of it for many days during the colder months, they won't even bother dismembering it to carry it away, they just leave it in the snow then come in for a snack when they feel like it.

 

[barn206]

Thank you kessel.. that is very informative and helpful. I once had a cat that killed like this. He would alway eat the brain of a bird or mouse. I’m hoping it’s not my cat. She never did this before and your right she is a young pullet( March young one)

 

[Birdsong 82]

I have cats that actually love to nap with my chickens so I know what you’re saying when you mean your pets can get along but would there be a possibility of maybe a stray cat?
And maybe all my research I somehow missed this but what I’ve read about Redtailed Hawks is they cannot lift more than their own bodyweight really no hawk can. not in America at least maybe another countries. I will not disagree they will kill your chicken and usually eat it. Not 100% of the time though. But a chicken over 3 pounds they wouldn’t get it more than a few inches for a few feet. I do not know of any hawk or eagle in America that can lift 10 pounds

 

[Birdsong 82]

A fisher will kill a chicken or small animal leave it and hopes to come back later to eat it. If a predator kills and then it startled will run off without their prey. Bobcats and cougars usually go for the back of the neck. And A dog will kill a chicken and leave it. Unless of course it’s starving to death but those are other possibilities.

 

[barn206]

I agree with you. The young pullets usually hang out in the woods part just near the coop. I believe she was killed at that very sight. My cat is just under 9 months. She stopped chasing the chickens months ago. I have some 4 week olds locked in a secure coop because I know she might go for one, so will the dogs. My cats face and paws are clean so.. I guess I’ll have to monitor this situation better. Thanks for you helpful tip Rachel

 

[Gordenia]

Bear?

 

[barn206]

The fishers trouble me! No cougars here. Usually a fisher will take out as many as it can.
It just seemed like a fresh kill and I was out all morning