Lost a hen tonight (graphic pic)

[Cooper006]

I had to cull a hen tonight due to wounds, and was looking for help IDing them. From googling around, it seems it is most likely a weasel/mink, raccoon or hawk. But each of those usually kills the hen, and weasels feel unlikely for our area. There were two main separate spots in the yard where feathers had collected.

I’d appreciate any info.

 

[sourland]

Sorry for the circumstances. What does your flock consist of? Any turkeys or multiple roosters? At first glance it looks like a possible dog attack.

 

[Cooper006]

Just a very small flock of 3, no rooster. More hobby than farm,
More pets than livestock.

I have a fenced in back yard so dog seems unlikely. Domestic cats sometimes are in the yard though.

 

[Lelilamom]

I'm so sorry for your loss.
From my experience, hawks go after the eyes and head first. Raccoons go for the head and neck. No experience with weasels (hope I never get it). Fox goes after neck and throat. Dogs go after back and breast.

I'm thinking coyote or dog.

 

[McChooky]

I would have to agree its a dog.Predators don't injure and leave them.
Dogs can easily get inside a fenced yard but run home if interrupted.You need a trained dog to protect your chickens from predators.I trained 2 adult hounds that are house dogs to protect my chickens when they're free ranging.I also have roosters that sound alerts and keep a baby monitor on so I hear sounds of distress if attacked

 

[Kenya Mwangi]

I had to cull a hen tonight due to wounds, and was looking for help IDing them. From googling around, it seems it is most likely a weasel/mink, raccoon or hawk. But each of those usually kills the hen, and weasels feel unlikely for our area. There were two main separate spots in the yard where feathers had collected.

I’d appreciate any info.

Hello I am sorry for your chicken. Tame animals and timid wild animals chew on chickens this way on the back. I think a young friendly dog that isn't very intelligent but without killer instincts did that but I am sorry.