What would do this? :(

[nutmeg2356]

Came home today from class to find one of my girls like this

They were in their run but I left the door open so they had access to the larger outer run since it was finally somewhat warm and the snow finally melted... all the other girls are okay. It only ate her back and head/neck, didn't flip her over to get the breasts..

Totally locked them up tonight (I usually leave the small door that goes into actual coop open, and just close the human door to the run attached to the coop... shouldn't have let them out while I was at class...

RIP Sable

 

[lazy gardener]

How big was she? I'm guessing rat(s)?

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm so very sorry.

 

[nutmeg2356]

Full grown. I'd say a few pounds at least. She was an EE

 

[nutmeg2356]

I'm so very sorry.

Thank you this is the 4th one I've lost in the past year. I love these ladies so much. Breaks my heart to know they had to die so awfully (the other ones were taken by some sort of animal over the summer)

 

[Welshies]

Definitely a bird of some kind. Is your run covered? It was likely a hawk or an owl.

 

[sourland]

It looks like the work of a raptor to me. Is there a roof on your pen ?

 

[Tempest00]

So sorry. Wish I had answers for you. (((Hugs)))

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Where are you located? This could give everyone a better idea on what are known predators in your area.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I must agree with Sourland & Welshies. There is some slight deviation from most hawk attacks but not enough to make me change my mind that (entering sarcasm mode) one of those amazing, beautiful, wonderful, thrilling, lovely, chicken hawks, (exiting sarcasm more) ate your poor hen alive.