Would a raccoon take 5 eggs and leave no evidence?

[ak2787]

I went to collect eggs this evening and they were gone. I know there was at least 5 because I checked earlier in the day. There is no sign of broken or eaten eggs, they're just gone. Could a raccoon do that? Also, one of my hens was not in the coop when I went to close them in for the night. That's never happened, they're always in there waiting for me to close the door. I can't find any trace of her. I looked in trees and all their usual hiding places. There is a possibility she's gone broody. There is one nest they've been successfully hiding from me for a couple of weeks now. I've searched high and low for it. Still worried she might be my first casualty .

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry! Did you check your coop carefully for an extra someone in it still? Also for egg shells hidden away? There are several possible culprits; can you lock your birds in their safe coop for a few days while you figure it out? Set live traps outside of the coop, and a 'critter cam' would be great too. Mary

 

[ak2787]

So sorry! Did you check your coop carefully for an extra someone in it still? Also for egg shells hidden away? There are several possible culprits; can you lock your birds in their safe coop for a few days while you figure it out? Set live traps outside of the coop, and a 'critter cam' would be great too. Mary

I just set the live trap and I found a pile of broken egg shells. I'm sure she's not in the coop. I'm definitely keeping them in the corn crib until we catch the culprit.

 

[ak2787]

Well I found the egg thief. It's my dog who has never raided the nest before decided to help himself. My missing hen was walking around waiting for food this morning. It was apparently a coincidence she decided to go broody the same time my dog ate the eggs!

 

[Sara Ranch]

Happy ending!!! Yeah!!!