One of my chickens is missing. Gone without a trace. I have snow, so I know nothing came through the fence and I know the chicken didn't get out. My coop is elevated and they spend most of their time underneath it, so it's undisturbed snow in most of their pen. No sign of a struggle and just a couple random feathers which is pretty normal.

I figure it had to be a bird of prey. I know there's no way to be sure...I'm just looking for thoughts on what might have happened.

the other chickens ate it

Gone broody, she's got a nest in the woods.

Not a chance. I have 2 German shorthairs that would find in her in no time.

It had to be a hawk or something, but I'm just surprised I can't see any sign of wings or anything in the snow.

I guess I've been lucky. I've had chickens for about 8 years and this is the first that's gone missing.

flew the coop

Are you sure it wasn't gone before the snow?

Seems you pretty much have it narrowed down.

"When you eliminate the impossible, whatever is left no matter how improbable, must be the truth!" - Sherlock Homes

So open to the top obviously. For those with experience would that mean an educated raptor likely to return for more? I know once a fox figures it out they're relentless.

I haven’t raised that many chickens, but when I started losing them it continued until I killed the thief.

Owl Place a trap on top a fence post close by. Not that I would know anything about that

Chicken on chicken crime, it's the worst.

Sure sounds like a owl or hawk

I'm still guessing it may have happened before the snow. If it did, and you made your routine chicken rounds, you may not have noticed a "catch circle" in the dirt. Generally when a BOP snatches a grounded bird, there is a bare area from where both birds are struggling. But with other chickens in there it may have been covered up. Just a thought. :-)

Well, it's not a big deal...just the first time it's happened. I hope just hope this isn't the start of a bigger problem.

Alien abduction. Put small tinfoil hats on the rest of your chickens while there is still time