Something ate the rear end of my hen and skinned her? (Central California)

[annap1977]

Found this poor girl not far from the fence of their run yesterday, feathers scattered maybe 10 feet away... I feel like I failed her. Does anyone know what happened? I don't think we have weasels here, they would do more damage I think than just one bird?

 

[Scooter1A]

ah that's too bad. unfortunately it happens. could be almost anything but I would guess coon. A fox would eat the whole chicken. Could be a dog. I've been battling the dog problem.

 

[annap1977]

ah that's too bad. unfortunately it happens. could be almost anything but I would guess coon. A fox would eat the whole chicken. Could be a dog. I've been battling the dog problem.

Probably not a dog because the run is gated, I have not found any holes. It is pretty big though and some fence is covered w plants. So nothing likes butts and guts specifically? Looks like her skin got pulled off too.. I guess we'll have to see if any others fall victim, I was thinking we may have to keep them inside then. They will absolutely hate that. Hopefully it was an isolated incident....

 

[Scooter1A]

Probably not a dog because the run is gated, I have not found any holes. It is pretty big though and some fence is covered w plants. So nothing likes butts and guts specifically? Looks like her skin got pulled off too.. I guess we'll have to see if any others fall victim, I was thinking we may have to keep them inside then. They will absolutely hate that. Hopefully it was an isolated incident....

Coon. Good luck.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I have seen a dog do that. I'm sorry for your loss, whatever the predator.

 

[TOR]

Weasels mink family will not always kill all the birds, possum from my experience like to start at the back end and eat in.
I have had dog kills, they just killed them for fun, maybe you have wild dogs there?
Sorry for your loss.