Found one of my hens dead and ravaged this afternoon
Is there any way to tell the likelihood of having been killed by a fox or other animal?
Her neck, crop and breast were torn open and a big chunk of breast missing, but nothing else appears bitten or bruised, the head is still on and intact. Found her by the hedge in the field where they often roam, a few scattered feathers but not a lot, she had her feathers still intact apart from where she was torn open. It must have happened around 2.30/3pm, so it was broad daylight...
Does this sound like a fox?
I found one hen unharmed hiding in the hedge, but two more hens are still missing - it is dark now and they haven't returned to the coop. No further signs of struggle anywhere like piles of feathers - maybe they are hiding somewhere in shock?
Grateful for any ideas from you more experienced people.