[Fisherman]

Hi
I have found a buried bird in one of my raised beds that looks like a pheasant or a red feathered hen. Would a fox or cat have done this? I am a little concerned as I am planning on getting a few chickens in the spring although I will make their coop / run fox proof.

Any info would be welcome

[Caralou]

Very likely to have been a fox. They will kill as many birds as available and then bury the surplus for later. It wont be a cat as they would have proudly taken the kill to their owners   and in most cases are very wary of large fowl (at least mine are, including my ferals). Always assume there are foxes and always build secure poultry runs against them if possible.

[8doubles]

Sounds like a fox at work , they often bury them minus the head. I don`t think cats bury food but could be wrong on that one. Dogs sometimes do as a friend found out when he dug up his spaniel`s cache.........one carpet slipper and a very whiffy piglet (stillborn from the farm nearby).

[Jeanette]

I agree with everyone it is probably a fox. When they kill they bury some and come back later. Please keep any girls that you get in a safe run.

[Fisherman]

Managed to dig the bird out this morning now that the ground has thawed. It turned out to be a headless pheasant so I guess it was a Fox. I will have to make the chicken coop which is just at the design stage thoroughly fox proof.