worried and confused

[daynau]

we had something attack and kill one of our chickens the other day. thought for sure it was the new puppy. turns out it was not the new puppy, the body of the chicken is still missing and the puppy does not mess with the chickens.the puppy has been around the chickens for 2 months now and wont get close to them. we have kept the chickens locked up in their run now since sat. one chicken was laying on 5 eggs. and there were a couple other little nest. the chickens refuse to use the coop. i went out there yesterday and ALL of the eggs are missing. there should 12-19 eggs total. not a single one is anywhere. thought mabye there is weak spot in the run but there are none. the wire around the cage is to small for a snake to get through. at least a snake that would be able to eat the eggs. i am totaly confused!! my daughter is getting so upset over this situation and i have no clue how to go about it. has anyone ever had anything like thos happen?

 

[Gargoyle]

Can anything dig up from below or come down through the roof? Search carefully for gaps or hidden weaknesses.

 

[daynau]

it is fully enclosed. even the bottom has been lined with the wiring to ensure that nothing can dig under.

 

[Gargoyle]

I wonder if something small that steals eggs, like a rat or snake, could be living inside the run or the coop?

However, that doesn't explain the initial missing chicken.

 

[BuffOrpington88]

Sounds like you have 2 predators. I agree with the rat or snake for the eggs, rats can fit through anything their head can go through. For the missing chicken, it would probably be something such as a fox or coyote.