What type predator?

[wrestling_mom]

Two chickens were dead after church, both in separate cages, both missing their heads. The one looks like it was eaten alive

We had thought that they were sick, so apparently they were being hurt slowly, and then the kill was made.
What could do this, thru cages?

 

[ChikeeMomma]

I believe that racoons are notorious for taking/eating whatever they can grab through the cage/fencing -- especially heads. Hope you catch them!

 

[Meat Hunter]

If a cook can reach in and grab one it will. If there is an opening large enough, a weasel would surely do what you describe. Coons for the most part will open up the crop and eat that, but they will eat the heads as well. Owls will also eat the heads, but since you say there were in cages......

What's the largest opening on them cages? Were the chickens laying dean next to an area of the cage that a coon could get ahold of them at? Or were they in the middle or next to part of the cage that has no openings. If so, then I would say weasel.