My chickens are disappearing in daylight. No signs of struggle/evidence.

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NaturesHoney

NaturesHoney

Hatching
Aug 18, 2015
1
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I have had 3 hens go missing in the past month in a half. Not a lot, but all of my chickens are family and everyone has a place in my heart. So losing them has been rough. But we have never had any trouble with day predators...not for 7 years of free ranging chickens.

I have had many tell me that it is hawks that are taking my chickens (however there are no chicken feathers).

Now I am on the fence...I am more towards red foxes since we had seen one two days before our hen Honey went missing. But we also have three red tailed hawks living on our property for sure. But once again, no signs of a struggle. Not at all. I have searched everywhere for evidence.

For now on, I plan on constructing a large pen outside their coop to keep them safe, although I really loved letting them free range. Any advice?

I will also mention I found a american kestrel feather right by the chicken coop door, but don't believe they could of picked and killed 3 chickens, let alone 1. They are so small, but have heard stories. (I have experience with feather identification)

So does anyone possibly know what could be taking the chickens without leaving amy evidence of foul play?
 
Do you have any 'two legged predators,' in the neighborhood that may be "borrowing" them? This happens often in some areas. Meanwhile the large run with a cover would be a good idea for your flock, until the raptors migrate to some other area.

You also could post at the predator threads and see what they come up with? I would suggest setting up a game cam but, if you free range, it could not possibly cover the area.
 
I'm sorry you've lost some of your birds, that's tough when we get so attached to them.

I've read that fox will sometimes kill more than they can eat and then bury the extra so that could account for not finding the ones they got to. They can also carry their prey some distance away from where they killed them which could account for not seeing feathers. (Disclaimer: I haven't had a fox encounter so this is just what I've read).

Whether it's a fox or a flying predator, keeping your chickens contained in a covered, dig-proof run will help protect them (and you) from suffering further losses. Again, my sympathy to you on your losses.

Welcome to BYC, it's nice to have you join us and I wish you luck with your flock.
 
I would go with fox or a stray dog... Probably fox. Free ranging comes with risks, foxes help thin my free rangers occasionally too :( I changed up the breed a little and haven't had any more losses..yet... Breed makes a big difference.

I'm not thinking hawk, ours watch for them and hide, but the chicks aren't too bright and THOSE are the ones the hawks go for...little dummies.

I would build them another fenced run. I actually have 2 rolls of fencing that I keep rolled up, and when I want to leave for a day or something, I unroll the wire and plant a few stakes here and there to keep it stable and unroll them... It's not actually predator PROOF unless I actually put t posts in, but then DH can't get through the yard with the bobcat, so it has to be movable. Keep predators from getting tobthem at least :)
 
I had a fox problem too during daylight hours. I bought the Premeir 1 electric poultry fencing and haven't lost another since (recommended by folks on these message boards). They still get to "free range" a bit with this type of movable fencing. It has kept the ground predators at bay.
 
shortgrass said:
I would go with fox or a stray dog... Probably fox. Free ranging comes with risks, foxes help thin my free rangers occasionally too :( I changed up the breed a little and haven't had any more losses..yet... Breed makes a big difference.

I'm not thinking hawk, ours watch for them and hide, but the chicks aren't too bright and THOSE are the ones the hawks go for...little dummies.

I would build them another fenced run. I actually have 2 rolls of fencing that I keep rolled up, and when I want to leave for a day or something, I unroll the wire and plant a few stakes here and there to keep it stable and unroll them... It's not actually predator PROOF unless I actually put t posts in, but then DH can't get through the yard with the bobcat, so it has to be movable. Keep predators from getting tobthem at least :)
Click to expand...
What breed do you suggest?
 

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