What would kill but not eat my rooster

[szczur]

Late morning, my rooster died. There were multiple piles of feathers around the yard, the little guy put up a fight and led the predator away from the coop. Bites were mostly to the tail and back of the rooster. Whatever it was pulled out bunches of tailfeathers at once. Poor roo got stuck in the long grass and was found with the skin ripped off his belly upside down but was not eaten at all. I've seen a new feral cat hanging around, maybe he kicked it for being too close to the coop and it chased and killed him in retaliation? Or a dog? My rooster's head and neck were completely intact and possibly a little scratched up but pretty much unbitten. He was a great roo who would let me pick him up in the daytime for treats, never kicked anyone, and ultimately sacrificed himself for his hens so I am actually pretty sad about it...

 

[LazytownChick]

I would guess it's a dog. They kill for sport not for food.

 

[nestleaver1]

Oh no! Your fabulous brave boy! My friend's chicken was just killed probably by a cat (people should keep them under control...). Can't tell where you are and that would make a big difference what it might be.

Massive condolences - I lost a hen to a fox over a year ago and still sad when I think about it. Fox did not eat her; I would mind less if it had.

Hope hens are not too distressed: he has very much done his job.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

[Compost King]

Sounds like what a dog did to some of my chickens, they shake the birds to death.

 

[szczur]

Oh no! Your fabulous brave boy! My friend's chicken was just killed probably by a cat (people should keep them under control...). Can't tell where you are and that would make a big difference what it might be.

Massive condolences - I lost a hen to a fox over a year ago and still sad when I think about it. Fox did not eat her; I would mind less if it had.

Hope hens are not too distressed: he has very much done his job.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX

I'm in Pennsylvania. Thanks for your sympathies.

 

[szczur]

Sounds like what a dog did to some of my chickens, they shake the birds to death.

That's miserable. I hope if the dog is owned by somebody, it doesn't come back...ugh.

 

[BantammChick]

So sorry about your rooster..
Maybe a dog??

 

[True Patriot]

Could be a dog. The damage and scene you describe sounds more like a feline attacker to me. Either way, if it's still out there prowling you should take some time to check the security of the coop and make any repairs or upgrading necessary.

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry!
Your predator will return, so keep your birds on lockdown until this situation is back under control. Set up a game camera if possible, and try a live trap or two.
A fox or dog seems very possible here, rarely a cat. Was your boy a bantam? Then a cat seems more of a possibility, although a fox or dog is still more likely.
Good luck getting whoever it was!
Mary